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All About ETHIOPIAN OPAL Gemstone

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF ETHIOPIAN OPAL GEMSTONES?

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In the 20th century, Ethiopian opals were discovered. The Ethiopia Wollo Province was the main mining area in the 1990s for such bright stones near Wegel Tena town. It is volcanic rocks in this place that most people know about a type of Ethiopian opal which came to be called the Welo opal around the world.

The discovery of these Ethiopian opals from Shewa and other parts of Ethiopia had been made but they neither were as common nor stable as those from Welo. The gem business was shaken by the finding of a fresh and worthy competitor on the market, i.e. Welo Opal Deposit. If you want to buy premium quality gemstones, head to GemstonesForSale and shop through!

WHAT IS THE APPEARANCE OF THE ETHIOPIAN OPAL GEMSTONE?

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Ethiopian Opal meaning is that they are known for their beautiful color that is characterized by an array of colors shimmering on their surface. This happens because light interacts with small silica balls that have formed in an opal. When light falls on these spheres it diffuses hence breaking up into individual colors through which one can see a rainbow effect. An Ethiopian opal’s value will not be affected much by its body tone, unlike many other types of opals.

Unlike many other opals, the value of Ethiopian Fire opal isn’t greatly influenced by body tone (the underlying color of the stone). The play of colors is what makes them so desirable and could be fiery oranges to reds or even calming blues or greens at times with some having a mixture of all these colors. In addition, there are those Ethiopian opals that display a harlequin effect in that the play-of-color changes completely depending on the position you look at it from.

WHERE CAN THIS GEMSTONE BE FOUND?

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Ethiopian opals are found natively in Ethiopia, a country located in the Horn of Africa. They come primarily from Wollo Province, specifically volcanic rocks found in this region. This rift valley forms part of the story about this stone and stretches along East Africa for long distances. Volcanic activity within this area is thought to have been instrumental in their formation.

Water containing silica seeped through porous volcano rocks before eventually getting trapped and solidifying into today’s finest quality opals. The geological conditions in Wollo Province are such that opals produce with excellent play of color and high water content; making them stand out.

WHICH ZODIAC SIGN IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ETHIOPIAN OPAL GEMSTONE?

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Different astrologers hold diverse opinions about which zodiac signs should wear what type of gemstones. For instance, Ethiopian opals may be connected to more than one sign according to some astrologers who say that their bright play-of-color speaks to the Gemini and Libra’s creativity and self-expression, while concurrently these signs have also been associated with aesthetics and open-mindedness because they easily change their mind on different matters just as the opal changes its color from time to time.

Moreover, different varieties of Ethiopian Opal stone can be used as a symbol of passion and leadership skills like those found in Leo which shows that fiery colors exist in some Ethiopian Fire Opals. In essence, the bond between an individual and stone is an intimate affair that transcends both age and horoscope. Therefore, if you find yourself drawn towards a particular Ethiopian Opal irrespective of your birth sign, then it might be the right gem for you.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ETHIOPIAN OPAL GEMSTONES?

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There is a wide range of types within the world of Ethiopian opal meaning each has its unique features:

  • Welo Opal: This is the most common and commercially important form of is as was earlier stated. They possess great play-of-colors with medium stability when compared to other types of opal but there’s so much room for possibilities regarding how play-of-color can look like.” White, black, or any other body tone doesn’t matter. AAA Ethiopian Welo opals are generally shaped into smooth domes named cabochons in order to enhance their hypnotic play.
  • Hydrophane Opal: These are opals that illustrate how water content affects the appearance of gemstones in an intriguing manner. They have more water content compared to Welo opals and sometimes go as far as 20%. This high water content makes them look transparent or even colorless when they get dried up. But when this stone comes into contact with water it undergoes a magical transformation.
  • Fire Opal: Ethiopian Fire opals live up to their name by being on fire as we can see from the name itself. The corresponding color is red/orange and often possesses transparency or just an orange hue background with some flashes of color in between. Aurora opals are thought to symbolize passion, creative spirit, and inner strength.
  • Black Opal: Owing to their striking color play and deep body tone, black opals are an incredibly rare and captivating variety of opal. In contrast to other opals, which have body colors that can vary, a black opal's dark base highlights its color play, frequently exhibiting a vivid spectrum of reds, greens, blues, and yellows. Lightning Ridge, Australia is the only location on Earth where these fascinating black opal stones can be found practically exclusively.
  • Crystal Opal: These opals are well known for their high transparency. This allows the play-of-coloration to polish by brilliantly giving an upward push to a lovely impact. Crystal opals are pretty unusual among Ethiopian opals, making them especially trendy using collectors and connoisseurs alike. However, their transparency also makes them delicate and needful, requiring careful handling while setting.

WHAT ARE THE HEALING PROPERTIES OF ETHIOPIAN OPAL GEMSTONES?

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Folklore and tradition form the basis of these beliefs though they remain relevant with some people today. Ethiopian opal are no different. Here is a closer look at what some people believe are its benefit

Physical Healing Properties

  • It is known to strengthen your immune system.
  • It helps bring down your fever.
  • Helps in treating chronic fatigue or illness.
  • Eases the pain and discomfort during PMS.
  • It keeps your eyes healthy and your skin young.

Emotional Healing Properties

  • Also known as the hope stone
  • Opal stone supportive of your emotional and mental health.
  • It keeps you happy and optimistic.
  • Keeps the flow of creative thoughts regular.
  • Increases self-confidence

Metaphysical Healing Properties

  • Balance all your chakras.
  • Keeps you protected from negative energy.
  • Develops your psychic abilities
  • Keep your head cool at all times

It is essential to know that these therapeutic results have now not been tested scientifically. Nevertheless, the classy attraction and fine connotations of Ethiopian opals can simply affect someone’s thoughts. If you believe in gemstone power, then wearing them can boost good health and positive vibrations

WHAT IS THE CARE GUIDE FOR ETHIOPIAN OPAL GEMSTONES?

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Ethiopian opals are absolutely fascinating stones; however, they are delicate and must be handled with care to retain their beauty and sparkle. Here are some important things to know about taking care of your stone and other stones like Pearls too:

  • Avoid strong chemicals: Just like looking after flowers keep your jewelry away from household cleansers, perfumes or any kind of cosmetics as this may harm the surface or luster of an opal.
  • Shield Against Heat & Shifts: avoid extreme temperature variations and hot conditions when using Ethiopian Opals. Do not leave them in direct sunlight for long periods, nor wear them while in saunas or hot springs.
  • Clean gently: Handle your Ethiopian opal only with softness. Use a moist soft cloth to clean regularly. Skip abrasive cleaners and harsh detergents which could dull the stone by all means.
  • Store Cautionary: When your opal isn’t dazzling everyone, park it in a safe place. It can be put in a soft fabric pouch or a lined jewelry box that dry climates will benefit from being wrapped with a damp tissue to ensure moisture retention
  • Keep away from Water: Ethiopian opals like splashes but avoid swimming or bathing while wearing them. Hydrophane opals, especially when exposed to water for long durations, lose their clarity.
  • Handle Carefully: Ethiopian opals have low hardness (5.5-6.5 Mohs). Do not wear them during physical activities and do not store them with harder gemstones as you will prevent scratching.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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1. Are Black Opals More Valuable when compared to Australian Ones?

No. The value of these gems rests on the size, rarity and play-of-shade they show off. They are both valuable rocks.

2. Can Ethiopian Opals Change Colors?

Yes! A special feature of an Ethiopian opal is its play-of-color which means that depending on the angle one looks at it, this stone shimmers with all colors of rainbow.

3. Do Ethiopian Opals Need Special Care?

Yes, they react sensitively to the influence of chemicals, heat and scratches. For gentle cleaning, proper storage and avoiding rough surroundings are important too much harshness should be avoided.

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