Fact or Fiction? Opal Myths and Misconceptions
We often hear common misconceptions, and myths regarding opal from our customers. If you have any concerns about opal, let us help clear those up!
Opals Are Fragile
Considering opal as fragile, is our most common myth from customers. Opal is much more durable than you would think. While a diamond rates the highest at 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, Australian opal ranges from 5.5 - 6.5, which makes it comparable to moonstone, ranging from 6 - 6.5. You might be surprised at what opal can withstand, some of our customers have enjoyed wearing their opals daily for over 30 years!
Opals can be bad luck.
Myth! This is, likely, the second most popular myth that we hear from our customers. Opal is October's birthstone, and many customers believe that it is unlucky to wear, if it's not your birthstone. This is an old wives-tale that we're sure the diamond industry would like for you to believe :). Did you know? That Tim, the opal man, wears an opal daily, even though it is not his birthstone "so far, no meteorite has fallen on him" haha!
I can't wear my opal in cold weather.
Myth! Being located in Wisconsin, where the winter temperatures can dip below 0°, we hear many customers express their concern for wearing opals out in the cold. Opal's sensitivity to cold is severely exaggerated, however, exposing your opal to extreme fluctuations between hot and cold may cause stress and cracking, which is very similar to how glass would react to the same conditions.
Opals need to be stored in water to prevent cracking.
Myth! This myth may have originated from the fact that wetting a cracked stone will hide the defects temporarily. Australian opal is actually non-porous, meaning nothing can get into the stone, hence, adding water to it will effectively do nothing for your stone. The exception, being Ethiopian opal, which is hydrophane, meaning it could absorb liquids causing the stone to dull and discolor, this could cause irreversible damage, in most cases. The humidity in certain environments can even be absorbed into the Ethiopian opal. Take caution around water environments.
Fire Opal
While we use the term "fire" for the strong color play within opal, especially when reds are found, we do not label it as Fire Opal. A true Fire Opal is Mexican Opal, which has a red/red-orange base color and can contain flashes of reds and greens within.
Opals need to be conditioned with oils or lotions.
Myth! Opals do not need to be treated with oil! When an Australian opal is polished, it is in essence sealed. Whereas Ethiopian opal will actually absorb the oil and discolor, which isn't likely reversible! Adding oils or lotions will not add life to your opal. We highly recommend cleaning your opal jewelry with Lavish Jewelry Cleaner, which can be purchased here, to help your precious gems stay lively.