In the kaleidoscope of gemstones, Australian Opal and Ethiopian Opal emerge as captivating rivals, each boasting unique characteristics that paint a mesmerizing picture of nature’s artistry. Hailing from the sunburnt landscapes of Australia and the enigmatic terrains of Ethiopia, these opals showcase a dazzling dance of colors, captivating collectors and enthusiasts alike. The Australian Opal, renowned for its world-class quality, unveils a spectrum of hues, from fiery reds to oceanic blues, embedded in its ancient rock formations.
On the other side of the globe, the Ethiopian Opal, a newcomer in the gemstone scene, surprises with its vivid play-of-color that rivals the established Australian counterpart. As we embark on a journey through these two distinct worlds, we unravel the geological mysteries, cultural narratives, and market dynamics that set Australian Opal vs Ethiopian Opal on a collision course of allure and mystique, offering gem aficionados an exhilarating choice between tradition and innovation in the world of opulence.
Table of Contents
Australian Opal vs Ethiopian Opal: Origin
Australian Opal
Found in Australia, primarily in the state of South Australia around Coober Pedy and Andamooka as well as New South Wales around Lightning Ridge and Queensland.
Formed in sedimentary rock crevices and fractures around 100 million years ago from a solution of silica and water. Formed when the silica solidified and hardened over long periods of time.
Mined from opal fields in underground shaft and tunnel systems, as well as open pit mines.
Ethiopian Opal
Found in Ethiopia’s northern Wollo Province around the Menz Gishe District and Shewa Province.
Formed more recently in volcanic rock from silica-rich ash, tuff and rhyolite deposits around 3-4 million years ago. The molten silica solidified into opal relatively quickly after volcanic eruptions and flows.
Mined from open pits and quarries in the porous, weathered volcanic rock near the earth’s surface. Easier access than deep underground Australian opal mines.
In summary, Australian opal stone is older and formed over millions of years in sedimentary crevices while Ethiopian opal is younger and formed more quickly from volcanic silica deposits. The origin of the silica and host rocks are quite different.
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Australian Opal vs Ethiopian Opal: Color
Both Australian and Ethiopian opals are renowned for their stunning play of color, but they differ in their typical color palettes:
Australian Opals:
Wide range of colors: Australian opals come in a wider variety of colors compared to Ethiopian opals. They can exhibit the entire rainbow spectrum, including fiery reds, deep blues, vibrant greens, and even black.
Deep and vivid hues: The colors in Australian opals are generally deeper and more vivid than those in Ethiopian opals. The most prized Australian opals, known as “black opals,” have a dark base color that intensifies the play of color.
Translucent or opaque: Australian opals can be either translucent or opaque, depending on the variety. The more translucent opals tend to showcase the play of color more prominently.
Ethiopian Opals:
Warm, earthy tones: Ethiopian opals are typically known for their warm, earthy tones, such as orange, yellow, brown, and white. While some Ethiopian opals do exhibit flashes of other colors, like blue and green, the overall palette is generally warmer and more subdued.
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Ethiopian opal colors
Lighter and more pastel: The colors in Ethiopian opals are often lighter and more pastel compared to Australian opals. They have a softer, more delicate appearance.
Mostly translucent: Ethiopian opals are predominantly translucent, allowing the play of color to shine through. This translucency also contributes to their characteristic jelly-like appearance.
Ultimately, the choice between an Australian opal and an Ethiopian opal depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a wider range of deep, vivid colors, an Australian opal may be the better choice. If you are drawn to warm, earthy tones and a softer, more delicate appearance, an Ethiopian opal might be a better fit.
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Australian Opal vs Ethiopian Opal: Physical Properties
Australian Opal and Ethiopian Opal are two distinct varieties of opals, each with its own unique physical properties. Opals, in general, are hydrated amorphous forms of silica, and their most distinguishing feature is their play-of-color, a phenomenon caused by the diffraction of light. Let’s compare the physical properties of Australian Opal and Ethiopian Opal:
Color and Play-of-Color:
Australian Opal: Known for its broad spectrum of colors, Australian Opal can exhibit a variety of hues, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. The play-of-color in Australian Opals is often vibrant and can cover the entire visible spectrum.
Ethiopian Opal: Ethiopian Opals are also known for their play-of-color, which can include a full range of colors. However, Ethiopian Opals are particularly prized for their vivid flashes of red, orange, and green.
Body Tone:
Australian Opal: The body tone of Australian Opals can range from white and light colors to black opals with a dark background. Black opals, found in Lightning Ridge, are highly valued for their dark base, which enhances the play-of-color.
Ethiopian Opal: Ethiopian Opals often have a white, light gray, or transparent body tone, providing a bright background for the play-of-color.
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Transparency and Clarity:
Australian Opal: Opals from Australia can vary in transparency, with some opals being transparent to translucent.
Ethiopian Opal: Ethiopian Opals are generally more transparent than Australian Opals and can exhibit a crystal-clear transparency in some cases.
Stability and Durability:
Australian Opal: Generally stable, but some types of Australian Opals may contain water content, making them susceptible to cracking or crazing if exposed to rapid changes in temperature or dehydration.
Ethiopian Opal: Ethiopian Opals may also contain water, and care should be taken to avoid rapid temperature changes that could lead to cracking.
Location of Origin:
Australian Opal: Australia is a major producer of opals, with prominent opal fields such as Lightning Ridge (known for black opals), Coober Pedy, and Andamooka.
Ethiopian Opal: Ethiopia is a significant source of opals, particularly Ethiopian Opals, with deposits found in areas like Wollo Province.
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Australian Opal vs Ethiopian Opal: Price & Popularity
Price
Australian opal, especially opal from Lightning Ridge and Coober Pedy, is generally much more expensive and valuable than Ethiopian opal. Top quality Australian opals can sell for over $10,000 per carat.
Ethiopian opal is quite affordable in comparison, usually ranging from $50-500 per carat depending on the quality. The less expensive pricing makes Ethiopian opal more accessible to buyers.
Popularity
Australian opal has traditionally dominated the opal market and has been one of the most popular and valued gem opals globally. It has a long history in the gem trade.
However, since the discovery of Ethiopian opal in the 1990s, it has rapidly gained market share. Its attractive colors, patterns, and lower price points have made it popular, especially for use in jewelry.
Australian opal still commands higher prices and has cachet as a premium gem. But Ethiopian opal is now also one of the top export opals worldwide, with demand continuing to rise.
In summary, Australian opal commands much higher pricing but Ethiopian opal is gaining popularity thanks to its combination of distinctive beauty, ample supply, and affordability. Both play an important role in the international opal trade today.
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Australian Opal vs Ethiopian Opal: Astrological Benefits
Australian Opal:
Creativity: Australian Opals, with their vibrant play-of-color and unique patterns, are sometimes associated with enhancing creativity and imagination which is the foremost opal stone benefit.
Emotional Healing: Opals, in general, are believed by some to have emotional healing properties. Australian Opal, with its range of colors, may be associated with promoting emotional balance.
Ethiopian Opal:
Harmony and Emotional Balance: Ethiopian Opals, with their bright flashes of color, may be linked to promoting harmony and emotional balance.
Spirituality: Some individuals associate Ethiopian Opals with spiritual growth and enlightenment.
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