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Our Unique Ethiopian Opal
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Our Unique Ethiopian Opal
Ethiopian Opal, sourced directly from the mines of Africa, has become a highly sought-after gemstone. This category offers a wide range of Ethiopian opals, including individual stones, rough opals, parcels, and matched pairs.
History and Popularity
Ethiopian opal emerged in the early 1990s from Mezezo, Ethiopia. Its bright colors and relatively low price quickly gained popularity. Ethiopian opal is a type of precious opal, renowned for its stunning play of color. The opals are found in large nodules, which are broken open to reveal their vibrant colors.
Types and Uses
- Individual Ethiopian Opals: Ideal for jewelry making or as collectible pieces. Navigate to the Ethiopian opal stones category to find loose stones perfect for various uses.
- Rough Ethiopian Opal: Available for those who enjoy the process of cutting and polishing their own stones.
- Ethiopian Opal Parcels: These offer a cost-effective option for purchasing multiple stones at once, suitable for bulk buyers.
- Matched Pairs: These pairs are often used for earrings. Finding matched pairs can be challenging due to the diversity in colors and patterns, but they are generally cut from a single stone to ensure similarity.
Unique Features
Ethiopian opal is known for its volcanic origin, found in high hill deposits. Mining is challenging due to the dry conditions and rugged terrain. This opal type is unique because it can be faceted, unlike many other opals. Faceting enhances its natural beauty and showcases its vibrant color play.
Carvings and Specimens
- Ethiopian Opal Carvings: These beautifully carved pieces highlight the opal's color play and make stunning display items.
- Ethiopian Opal Specimens: These natural formations are perfect for collectors or anyone interested in observing opals in their raw state.
