Everything You Need to Know About Ethiopian Opals

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 Gemstones for Sale and shop through!

Unlike their Australian counterparts, Ethiopian opals have not existed for centuries. As far as the history of gems is concerned, their discovery is a relatively new phenomenon. The history, characteristics, types, and maintenance techniques of this stone will all be covered in this comprehensive guide.

Ethiopian Opal's meaning is that they are known for their beautiful color which 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.  

Also, certain Ethiopian opals have a harlequin effect, where the color play changes entirely depending on your viewing angle. The Ethiopian opal price per gram depends on factors like brightness, play-of-color, and clarity.

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.

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

Welo Opal

- The most commercially important form of Ethiopian opal. - Its medium stability is close to that of other types, but it has great play of colors.

It doesn’t matter if the body tone (white, black or any other) has a blaze of colors over it. Treated often (especially) into smooth domed cabochons to enhance their play.

Hydrophane Opal

- Water content is known to give it a different appearance with up to 20%.

-Dried, it appears transparent or colorless; but upon absorbing water, has a magical transformation.

- Water opal is the term given to the play of color becoming more pronounced and lively when in contact with water. They’re extra care, but they make a gorgeous gemstone for the ones who are willing to put the work in.

Fire Opal

- Fiery colors, predominantly red/orange or transparent with an orange (or in rare cases, muted brown) background and flashes of colors.

Ethiopian fire opals are scarce; their coloring excellent with strong light emission resulting in high prices.

- In jewelry, symbolizes passion, the new free spirit, and inner strength.

Black Opal

- Deep body tone and notable color play: incredibly rare.

- Its vivid reds, greens, blues and yellows are highlighted by a dark base.

- Found practically only in Lightning Ridge, Australia.

Crystal Opal

This is the playability with high transparency: the play of color can appear very brilliantly polished.

- Amongst Ethiopian opals they are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs for their rarity.

- They are transparent and need to be handled carefully when setting.

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

Physical Healing Properties

• Known to strengthen your immune system.
• Helps bring down your fever.
• Helps in treating chronic fatigue or illness.
• Eases the pain and discomfort during PMS.
• Keeps your eyes healthy and your skin young.
• Promotes faster recovery from injuries and physical trauma.
• Supports heart health and improves blood circulation.

Emotional Healing Properties

• Also known as the hope stone.
• Opal is very supportive of your emotional and mental health.
• It keeps you happy and optimistic.
• Keeps the flow of creative thoughts regular.
• Increases self-confidence.
• Encourages emotional stability and reduces feelings of anxiety.
• It fosters self-acceptance and emotional growth.

Metaphysical Healing Properties

• Balances all your chakras.
• Keeps you protected from negative energy.
• Develops your psychic abilities.
• Keep your head cool at all times.
• Enhances intuition and spiritual awareness.
• Strengthens your connection to the divine and higher self.

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.

Ethiopian opals are 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 (5.56.5 Mohs). Do not wear them during physical activities and do not store them with harder gemstones as you will prevent scratching. Did you know the moldavite cost per gram is influenced by its scarcity and the demand for this extraterrestrial gem?

Ethiopian Opal stone represents a variety of gems which is characterized by its extraordinary scattering of color which people also call “fire” in the Opal. 

• This kind of Opal has deservedly occupied its place in the world of gems, for its brilliance and play of colors which resembles a shooting star and can present from several colors at once.
• It is not only a semiprecious gemstone that presents an extraordinary beautiful appearance that enchants the viewer’s eye but also it has profound symbolism to it.
• The Opal has always been associated with purity and cure of diseases of sorrow and the Ethiopian Opal gemstone shows the same effect but with a more rugged essence than the Australian Opal.
• They have come to have a belief that is associated with them to encompass emotional well-being and spiritual reasons. The Ethiopian opal when worn is said to reflect the state of the soul as well as ease one of any feelings of aggression thereby bringing harmony.
• This gem is believed to help creativity which makes it very essential to people who want to have clear visions when doing any artistic work.
• Ethiopian Opal is also the birthstone for October and comes burdened with the October birthstone meaning of balance and hope.
• The many colors that it commonly has are flashing multicolored notifying that one should accept indeed the unpleasantries of life as much as the pleasures; thus it is a crucial gem for the sui generic empaths who seek to understand life and accept it hence healing.

Its high energy makes it the perfect stone for musicians, artists, and anyone seeking to be liberated from Complexes or subterranean creativity. The colors in Ethiopian Opal move and shift and this is going to appeal to those that have transformation in their lives.

• Ethiopian Opal is a crystal of comfort for everyone who participates in emotional healing work. This is confirmed to cause feelings of happiness, worth, and even ultimate peace. 
• People who seem to carry heavy emotional burdens may be able to experience relief with Ethiopian Opal stone, as this kind of Opal helps clients let go of previous mistreatments and unhealthy habits. 
• That is why it is especially advisable for those who are trying to phase out, those who are trying to make their own, and those who have to start over after some events.
• In terms of Zodiac signs, the Ethiopian Opal is in Harmony with Libra and Scorpio as it provides these signs with balance, depth, and a thinking process. However, it is a gemstone that can help anyone who feels an attraction to its gentle energy, those who prefer to improve themselves spiritually and mentally. 

The charming and profound tones can also attract lovers of the arts, which classifies it as a preferred gemstone of jewelers who crave an individualistic brilliance that makes a color stone of uniqueness radiate.

A rare species of opal, Ethiopia opals have what is arguably their most remarkable feature; a vibrant play of color that is easy to detect in a gemstone. Here are some fascinating facts about these remarkable gems:

1. Hydrophane Nature: The Chameleons of Gemstones

Ethiopian opals are hydrophane, or capable of soaking in water like a sponge. Their blueness involves a peculiar property, they cause their color to degenerate or even vanish temporarily when wet, and to reappear when they dry.

2. Ancient Volcanic Activity formed.

Ethiopian opals are born from eruptive activity rather than sedimentary environments as is found in most Australian opals. Found among volcanic ash deposits, they have an already luminous history, but a fiery origin story as well.

3. Compared to other opals, extraordinary Stability.

Ethiopian opals might be hydrophane in nature, however they are often more resistant to the crazing and cracking that other Australian opals will experience, making them a durable option for jewelry.

4. Discovered in an Ancient Rift Valley

Opals from Ethiopian Wollo and Shewa regions are mined in the Great Rift Valley system geologically significant as one of the earliest cradles of human life.

5. Patterns beyond the Play-of-Color: A Myriad

The opals are unique in that these exhibit unique patterns such as “honeycomb”, “fingerprints” or “neon swirls” that you usually would never find on other opals. In particular, collectors love the honeycomb pattern because it is sparse.

6. The Brilliance of Improved Cutting Techniques

However, work by gem cutters has allowed special ways to work with the hydrophane properties of Ethiopian opals, including cutting and polishing the stone under certain humidity conditions to take advantage of its natural beauty.

7. Ethiopia Cultural and Spiritual Symbolism

Originally, Ethiopian opals were and still are very sacred in their place of origin and they are associated with luck, spirituality, protection and more. According to locals, these opals have the 'essence of fire,' a symbol of passion, and vitality.

8. Deviation from precious varieties is not limited.

Some Ethiopian opal deposits produce what are known as 'common opals' in intense orange, yellow, or white colours that are becoming popular as pretty natural opals.

Myths and legends steeped in wondrous and mystical wonder have inspired Ethiopian opals with their play of color.

These astonishing gems are new to the world market and deeply rooted in and present part of Ethiopian culture and belief. Here are some fascinating mythological tales surrounding Ethiopian opals:

Tears of the Gods

Ethiopian folklore refers to opals as "tears of the gods." The colors are believed to represent divine emotions — joy, sorrow, and everything associated with emotion, crystallized and placed in a gemstone, representing the rainbow colors of divine emotions.

The Gem of Creation

Opals are usually associated in Ethiopian mythology with the creation of the world. The stone preserves remnants of the first light, fire, and colors as a divine gift in the earth. Opals embody the elements of fire, water, and earth, believed to return these to their origins.

Sacred Connection to the Land

Opals are sacred stones for local tribes in Ethiopia. They believe that opals connect the owner to the spirit of the land.

Ethiopian opals worn or carried are thought to allow communication with ancestral spirits and receive their guidance.

The Stone of Prophecy

Ethiopian opals are associated with prophecy and foresight in folklore. Shamans and mystics used the stones in rituals, believing the flashes of color fulfilled divine messages or provided glimpses into the future.

Rainbows Trapped in Stone

A second Ethiopian legend claims opals formed when sacred rains caused rainbows to fall from the sky. Similar to rainbow symbolism in many cultures, this myth connects opals to hope, renewal, and a promise of abundance.

Protection from Evil

Opals are perceived by some Ethiopian tribes as talismans that protectively ward off malevolent forces. The bright flashes of color are believed to cleanse energy and ward off evil spirits.

1. Freeform Cabochons  

 Ethiopian opals are usually cut into freeform cabochons to show their special play of color and pattern.  

This saves money by preserving as much of the natural stone as possible while highlighting its organic beauty.  

2. Oval Cabochons  

 The field colors of Ethiopian opals are oval shapes: they provide a classic appeal and stamp out the maximum play of color.  

 The nice curved surface helps capture the play of dazzling lights.  

3. Pear Shape  

 Ethiopian opals are typically cut pear-shaped and are often included in pendants and earrings.  

 This elegant shape reinforces the stone’s fire and is a perfect form for creative flowing designs.  

4. Round Cabochons  

 Another favored cut for Ethiopian opals is round cabochons, which show the values of symmetry and balance.  

 It’s the perfect ring shape; you can show off the opal’s spectacular colors evenly. 

In both markets, Ethiopian opals are sought after, though they are particularly prized as cabochon material by the Western collection market. Ethiopian opals' value varies greatly on account of their scarcity, except for several unusual samples that are frequently sought after.  

Ethiopian opals are prized for their extraordinary play of color, unique properties, and much more, but affordable compared to Australian opals. Their valuation involves assessing several key factors that determine their desirability and market value:  

 1. Play of Color  

• Definition: Red, orange, green, and blue flashes of color in the stone.  

Impact on Value:  

• Highly valued are the bright, multi-colored opals, with broad and vivid patterns.  
• There are fewer and more expensive hues of red and orange than of the greens and blues.  

 2. Body Tone  

• Definition: All this opal is a background color, from white to honey-colored to even transparent.  

    Impact on Value:  

• Ethiopian opals with lighter or crystal clear body tones play off-color better and are considered more valuable.  
• Honey opals, with warm base color, are in demand due to their 'cool' look.  

 3. Hydrophane Nature and Clarity  

Hydrophane Property: The water-absorbing opals can allow in the water eventually and make them appear more transparent and bring the color out temporarily. Intuitive hydrophane opals are intriguing, but need to be handled with care, and, as with most thermal manipulation, durability plays a role in value.  

 4. Size and Shape  

With larger Ethiopian opals having consistent play color, they command higher prices.  

Integrity, stability, hardness, shape, finish, color zoning, center markings, and clarity remain parameters for the grading standards.  

Pattern: Different patterns like a honeycomb or rolling flash up an opal’s value.  

Origin: Opals from the Wollo region are the finest due to their excellent brightness and durability.  

Therefore Ethiopian opals are highly regarded because of their excellent play of color, clarity as well as their body tone, and also for their particular patterns, making them very valuable to collectors and jewelry lovers alike. The rhodochrosite price per gram typically reflects its vibrant pink hues and level of clarity.

What is Ethiopian opal & how is it different from opal stone?

Ethiopian opal is a specific type of opal found in Ethiopia, known for its vibrant play-of-color. It differs from other opals due to its unique, transparent body and bright, rainbow-like flashes.

Is Ethiopian opal real?

Yes, Ethiopian opal is a genuine and natural gemstone, highly prized for its brilliant color play and unique patterns.

How much is Ethiopian opal worth?

Ethiopian opal can range from $50 to over $1,000 per carat, depending on factors like color intensity, clarity, and size.

Is Welo Ethiopian opal the same as Ethiopian opal?

Yes, Welo Ethiopian opal is a variety of Ethiopian opal, named after the Welo region in Ethiopia where it is primarily mined. It is known for its striking, vibrant color play.

How to clean Ethiopian opal stone?

Clean Ethiopian opal gently with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone.