Opal

🔍How to identify Opal

1. Play of color: shifting rainbow flashes when turned in light
2. Lighter than most gems of the same size
3. Softer than quartz: it does not scratch glass easily

👯Often confused with

• Opal-like glass and plastic
• Doublets and tripletsthin opal glued on a backing
• Labradorite

🧪Real or fake?

• Look at the side of the stone: a flat glued line shows a doublet or triplet
• Very even, regular pattern like fish scales can mean imitation or lab-made opal

💰Is Opal valuable?

Ranges widely from cheap to very expensive depending on color play. Judge only by an expert.

Typical retail prices

Black opal and top play-of-color stones cost far more than this range.

Typical retail ranges in US dollars, compiled from public dealer and marketplace listings in October 2026. Real prices vary widely with quality, size and origin. This is general information, not an appraisal.

What changes the price

• Play of color: bright, broad flashes in many colors across the stone raise the price sharply
• Body tone: black opal is worth the most, then white and crystal; common (potch) opal has little value
• Origin: Lightning Ridge (black), Coober Pedy and Ethiopian opal differ in price and stability
• Doublets and triplets: opal glued to a backing is much cheaper than solid opal
• Lab-grown opal looks similar, check disclosure