How to Tell If an Opal Is Real

Inspect the Stone's Surface

Opals are smooth and have a waxy surface that is often quite translucent. Opals are also available in white body tone which is the hue of the stone.

Look for a Play of Color

"Play of Color "play of color" is the reason why opals are special and appealing. It refers to the way that the stone appears to alter color when observed from various angles. If you do not see any color variation this means the opal is probably to be fake.

Check the Stone's Hardness

Opals range between 5.5 to 6.5 according to the Mohs scale, which implies that they're pretty soft stones. If you're able to quickly scratch at the top of an stone with a knife, or another object the chances are it's not real.

Look at the Price

Opals that are genuine can be pricey, and if find an opal being offered for sale at a bargain price, it's most likely to be to be fake. Beware, however, that fake sellers may sell for the highest rates.

Check Price of Ethiopian Opal Beads

Check for Doublets and Triplets

These are fake opals which consist of two or three layers of stone that are glued together. You can identify if an opal either a triplet or doublet simply by inspecting what's on the reverse of the stone. If you can see a dark backing, it's probably an imitation.

Be Aware of Common Synthetic Opals

Some companies produce artificial or man-made opals which are very similar to real things. They are often referred to in the form of "fire opals" or "lab-created opals." If you're unsure if an opal is genuine you can ask a jeweler check it out for you.

We invite you to contact us directly at TheGemsHeaven to learn more about buying Opals. We'll be glad to help you with any concerns you may have about buying Opal beads.

Alexandrite is well-known due to its unique color shifts. Its remarkable "emerald by day, ruby at night" color characteristic makes it a great stone for distinctive and premium jewelry. With an average high hardness 8.5 in the Mohs scale, this beautiful gemstone of the chrysoberyl family is quite hard, making it an ideal choice for all kinds of jewelry.

How Tough Is Alexandrite?

The strength of any gem can be determined using a number of variables. Gems that have a toughness that is greater than 7 points on the Mohs scale are considered to be strong. Alexandrite excels in this category and competes with other gemstones, such as sapphire and diamond. The factors that make alexandrite a good choice to be used in jewelry include:

Stability

Alexandrite does not have cleavages and therefore is able to stand up to ordinary chemical substances as well as light and heat. This is crucial when polishing because it helps the stone not break or scratch. This amazing gemstone is considered to be among the top and most durable gemstones on the market.

Ideally, a gemstone with a harderness lower than 7 Mohs scale would be considered to be fragile and is prone to breaking. Its value is determined by its the price.

Resistant To Wear And Tear

If you're looking for jewelry that is resistant to use and tear then alexandrite rings is a great choice. The hardness of the stone makes it immune to chemical attack and consequently easy to maintain. Alexandrite doesn't scratch easily which makes it a good choice for everyday wear jewelry. To keep your jewellery made of alexandrite in top condition it is necessary to clean them with warm soapy water. You can use steam cleaners to give your jewelry a more polished appearance.

The Lowdown

Although alexandrite is an extremely strong and durable gem, it does not mean it is immune to cracks. Therefore the process of testing its durability can be damaging. You could end up breaking it, and eventually destroying the value. If the natural alexandrite rings jewelry you own cracks, you may need consult a jeweler from TheGemsHeaven to assist you.

Our skilled jewelers have the expertise and understanding of different gemstones. They will assist you to make an informed choice. Contact us now to schedule an appointment.