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Precious opal – Welo, Ethiopia

Locality: Welo, Ethiopia 
Weight: 2g 
Dimensions: 2,3 x 1,7 x 0,7 cm DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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Delivery to:
10/04/2025
In Stock
Code: OP021
$27,08 $22,38 excl. VAT
Category: Precious opals
Precious opal – Welo, Ethiopia
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Precious opals from the Welo region of Ethiopia are considered to be some of the most beautiful and highest quality opals in the world. These opals are characterized by their unique play of color and high transparency, making them highly sought after by collectors and jewelers.

Most Welo opals are hydrophanous, meaning they have the ability to absorb water. When they absorb water, they can become more transparent and bring out their colors. However, this property also means that they can be prone to cracking when exposed to extreme changes in humidity. In addition to precious opals with a distinctive play of colour, common opals are also found in the Welo area, which do not have the same colour effect but can still be prized for their beautiful texture and colour.

Properties of Welo precious opals
  1. Play of colour: Welo opals have an excellent and vivid play of colour, which shows in iridescent hues at different angles. This play of color is caused by the scattering of light on the microscopic silica spheres that make up the opal's structure.
  2. Transparency: Welo opals can be clear, translucent or opaque. Transparent and translucent opals are particularly valued for their ability to transmit light, which further enhances their colour effects.
  3. Colours: These opals can include a range of colors, from white, yellow, and orange to red, green, blue, and purple. Some of them even have combinations of these colors, which makes them very attractive.
  4. Hardness: opals are generally not very hard, usually reaching 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means that they need to be handled carefully to avoid scratches and damage.
Mining and processing

Opals are mined mainly in the Welo region of northern Ethiopia. They were discovered relatively recently, in 2008, and their discovery brought a major new resource to the market, which until then had been dominated mainly by Australian opals. Since their discovery, they have rapidly gained popularity due to their exceptional quality and beautiful colours. Once mined, they are carefully processed to preserve their natural beauty. This process involves cutting, polishing and cutting. Quality pieces are often selected for the production of exclusive jewellery.

Caring for opals

Opals are sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature, which can lead to cracking or loss of colour. To maintain their beauty, a few basic care rules must be followed:

  • Avoid extreme conditions: protect opals from sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
  • Cleaning: Clean opals with a soft cloth. Avoid chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
  • StorAge: Store opals in a dry and safe place, ideally in a soft cloth or jewelry box.
Market and value

Welo opals have quickly gained popularity due to their beautiful play of colour and relative affordability compared to Australian opals. Their price can vary greatly depending on quality, size, colour and transparency. The highest quality opals can fetch very high prices in the gemstone market. Ethiopian opals are a fascinating and affordable choice for gemstone and jewelry lovers. Their unique beauty and play of colors make them one of the most popular gemstones in the world.

Precious opal – Welo, Ethiopia

MC Avatar of author Miroslav Cagáň | 28/03/2025
Patří mezi nejlepší internetové obchody. Vždy rychle a kvalitně zabaleno. A dárek k objednávce také udělá velkou radost
RS Avatar of author Romana Sovova | 22/03/2025
Celý život jsem si přála mít opál až jsem objevila Vás. Mam ho na přívěsku a jsem neskonale šťastná strašně moc děkuji za to ze jste 😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️
VX Avatar of author Violeta Xenaki | 12/03/2025
L Avatar of author Laura | 21/02/2025
Very nice. Fast shipping, a well-packed package accompanied by a gift. I recommend to others.
V Avatar of author | 08/02/2025
Spokojenost, vybral Jsem si malý vzorek wulfenitu který je vkusně umýstěn na odpovídajícím podstavci což bylo milé překvapení. Po vybalení mohl být okamžitě vystaven.
J Avatar of author Jakub | 07/02/2025
Moc krásné dubnické opály. Děkuji a doporučuji!
L Avatar of author Leonard | 07/02/2025
Excellent service. A fine piece very well prepared and presented. Glad to be able to use PayPal. It was well packed and arrived in reasonable amount of time. Glad to accept lower shipping cost rather than free gift. Thank you!
JH Avatar of author Josef Horáček | 30/01/2025
Z Avatar of author Zdeněk | 24/01/2025
Velmi spokojen ✨✨✨.
MC Avatar of author Miroslav Cagáň | 23/01/2025
Vždy na více než 100%
PP Avatar of author Petya Petrova | 10/01/2025
Dankeschön für die schöne hochwertige Produkte! Über das Geschenk habe ich mich sehr gefreut. Ich bin zufrieden! DANKE!
B Avatar of author Bridget | 20/12/2024
Superschneller Versand. Über das Geschenk habe ich mich sehr gefreut.
SS Avatar of author Susanne Scholten | 18/12/2024
Super schneller Versand, schöne hochwertige Produkte
GJ Avatar of author Gilbert Javaux | 17/12/2024
Transaction completed with ease. Fast and well protected shipping. It's perfect. Thank you very much.
CB Avatar of author Charles Bediako | 17/12/2024
I am very happy with my order and the the gift, delivery and everything was fast thank you .I highly recommend you
J Avatar of author Jana H | 13/12/2024
Velmi rychlé zaslání i před Vánoci. Skvěle nafocené minerály, které jsme si vybrali. Perfektní popis jednotlivých minerálů podle skutečnosti. Skvěle zabaleno.
NG Avatar of author Nicolae Graci | 03/12/2024
Sehr zufrieden ! 5 Sterne
GJ Avatar of author Gilbert Javaux | 03/12/2024
Perfect transaction. Very fast shipment, with high quality packaging. Highly recommended seller. Thanks a lot.
RW Avatar of author Ruth Wolf | 27/11/2024
Ich bin begeistert und werde sicher noch öfter hier einkaufen!👍
JB Avatar of author Josef Bouška | 22/11/2024
Naprostá spokojenost. Díky za rychlé dodání a taky za dárek :)
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