Precious opal – Welo, Ethiopia

Precious opals from the Welo region of Ethiopia are considered among the most beautiful and highest-quality opals in the world. They are distinguished by their unique play of colors and high transparency, making them highly sought after by collectors and jewelers alike.

Most Welo opals are hydrophane, meaning they have the ability to absorb water. When they do so, they can become more transparent and enhance their colors. However, this property also makes them prone to cracking if exposed to extreme changes in humidity.

Characteristics

Welo opals stand out for their vivid rainbow-like play of colors, visible from various viewing angles. This coloration arises from light diffraction on tiny spheres of silica that form the stone’s internal structure. Their transparency ranges from fully clear through translucent to opaque, with the clearer and more translucent varieties particularly highlighting the colorful effects. The color spectrum extends from white and yellow shades through orange, red, green, and blue, all the way to purple, often appearing in various combinations. On the Mohs hardness scale, Welo opals typically range between 5.5 and 6.5, requiring careful handling to prevent scratching or damage.

Mining and Processing

Opals are primarily mined in northern Ethiopia, specifically in the Welo region. They began appearing on the global market on a larger scale around 2008, gaining attention thanks to their exceptional quality and diverse color range. Although the first discoveries date back to the 1990s, it was in 2008 that their remarkable potential was fully recognized, prompting more intensive mining and export.

Since then, these opals have quickly secured a strong position among traditionally known Australian opals, primarily for their extraordinary color play spanning almost the entire color spectrum. After extraction, they undergo careful processing, including cutting, grinding, and polishing, to preserve their natural beauty. The finest pieces are used in top-quality jewelry, where their unique luster and vibrant flashes of color truly shine.

Opal Care

Opals are susceptible to damage from sudden changes in humidity and temperature, which can lead to cracking or a loss of color. To keep them in the best possible condition, it is advisable to follow a few basic care guidelines.

First and foremost, try to minimize exposing opals to extreme conditions. Sudden temperature fluctuations or rapid changes in humidity can be harmful. For cleaning, use a soft cloth slightly moistened with water to remove dirt without disturbing the stone’s structure. Avoid chemical cleaners, harsh detergents, or ultrasonic cleaners, as they may damage both the surface and the interior of the opal.

When storing, keep the stones in a dry, secure place to avoid excessive moisture and the risk of impact, which could cause the opal to fracture.

Market and Value

Since around 2008, Welo opals from Ethiopia have grown in popularity for their remarkable color display and relative accessibility compared to Australian opals. Prices can vary widely depending on quality, size, color range, and level of transparency. The most valuable specimens, boasting sharply defined colors and high luster, can command very high prices on the world market.