Origins of Opala gemstone that consists of silica

and water, typically semitransparent and shows varying colors against a dark background

Australia produces 97% of the opal in the world

Ethiopia just had a

new source

discovered in 2008

Mexico has one of the oldest opal

mines

Opal comes from many places…

Tesfay Desta is a miner from Ethiopia who mines

opal. He visits both Europe and the United States to sell his opals.

This is how opal looks in its original form. This particular piece is an 8 ton piece of opal from Australia. It is worth over $1 million.

This is Ethiopian Opal ready to be cut

This is cut Ethiopian opal ready to be polished

This is a different angle of Australian opal in its natural form. Ethiopian opal is similar when it is still mixed with rock.

Ethiopian Opal

Mexican Fire Opal

When the opal is not able to be extracted or is not of sufficient quality, they are cut into egg shapes. At this location, vendors sale the Mexican Fire Opal by the jar in both cut and uncut material.

Opal inspires and fosters love, passion, loyalty, and spontaneity. It can also help promote self-esteem, concentration and healing.

Each color and type of opal has a more in depth meaning as well.

Opal Stone Meaning

Opals in jewelry are best by themselves or paired

with diamonds.

Finished opal cabochons ready for jewelry