Introduction

Opals are one of the most beautiful and unique gemstones in the world. With their iridescent colors and mesmerizing patterns, they have been prized for centuries. However, with their popularity comes the risk of fake opals flooding the market. In this article, we will discuss how to tell if an opal is real or fake.

What is an Opal?

Before we dive into how to tell if an opal is real or fake, let’s first understand what an opal is. Opals are made up of silica spheres that are arranged in a 3D grid. This structure diffracts light, creating the unique play of color that opals are known for.

How to Tell if an Opal is Real or Fake

There are several ways to tell if an opal is real or fake. Here are some of the most common methods:

1. Look at the Color

One of the easiest ways to tell if an opal is real or fake is by looking at its color. Real opals will have a vibrant play of color, with flashes of red, orange, green, blue, and purple. Fake opals, on the other hand, will usually have a dull or uniform color.

2. Check the Pattern

Real opals will have a unique and intricate pattern that is formed by the silica spheres. Fake opals may have a pattern that looks too perfect or too uniform.

3. Check for Inclusions

Inclusions are natural imperfections that are present in many gemstones, including opals. Real opals will often have inclusions that are visible under magnification. Fake opals, on the other hand, will usually be free of inclusions.

4. Check the Weight

Real opals are relatively heavy for their size, while fake opals may feel lighter than they should.

5. Check the Temperature

Real opals will feel cool to the touch, while fake opals may feel warm or room temperature.

6. Check the Sound

Real opals will make a distinct clicking sound when tapped together, while fake opals will not.

Common Types of Fake Opals

Unfortunately, there are many types of fake opals that are sold on the market today. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Doublet Opals

Doublet opals are made by gluing a thin layer of real opal onto a dark backing material. While they may look similar to real opals, they are much cheaper and less valuable.

2. Triplet Opals

Triplet opals are similar to doublet opals, but with an additional layer of clear quartz or glass on top of the opal. This makes them even cheaper and less valuable than doublet opals.

3. Synthetic Opals

Synthetic opals are man-made opals that are created in a lab. While they may look similar to real opals, they lack the unique patterns and inclusions that are present in natural opals.

Conclusion

Opals are a beautiful and unique gemstone, but it’s important to know how to tell if they are real or fake. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can be sure that you are getting a genuine opal that will last a lifetime.