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Opal from Ethiopia, known as Ethiopian opal or “welo” opal
Number of products : 307Opal from Ethiopia is not only beautiful, but also cheaper than opals of similar quality from Australia. People buy “Welo opals” or “Ethiopian opals” without hesitation, as their quality and beauty are in no way inferior to Australian opals.
Australia has been the dominant force in the opal market for over 100 years. During this time, as much as 95% of the world's opals were mined in Australia. Today, Ethiopia is well on its way to becoming the second largest opal producer in the world.
Ethiopian opal is gaining popularity due to its extraordinary beauty. This mystical stone is valued by jewelers and collectors around the world.
Characteristics of Ethiopian opals
Opal is a silicate mineral characterized by internal light reflections that create rainbow effects in the stone. Ethiopia is one of the world's most important opal producers, alongside countries such as Australia and Mexico. However, it is Ethiopian opal that is currently attracting the most interest.
What makes Ethiopian opal so special? First and foremost, it is the intensity and depth of its colors. Ethiopian opals often display a rich palette of colors, ranging from shades of yellow, orange, red, green, and blue. These juicy, intense colors make Ethiopian opal extremely attractive to jewelers looking for unique and expressive stones for their designs.
Another important aspect of Ethiopian opal is its transparency. Most Ethiopian opals are transparent or translucent, allowing the internal patterns and light phenomena to be seen. This makes Ethiopian opal appear to glow from within the stone, emanating a mystical glow and mesmerizing charm.
Ethiopian opal is also known for its ability to exhibit the “opalization” effect, a phenomenon in which the color of the stone changes depending on the angle of view and lighting. This dynamic feature makes Ethiopian opal extremely fascinating, as it never ceases to surprise with its play of light and shades.
Opal mines in Ethiopia, such as the Wollo mine and the Mezezo mine, provide extremely beautiful specimens of this stone. The opal mining process is time-consuming and requires precision and care to preserve the integrity of the stones. Sometimes opal occurs in the form of “nodules” or “crusts,” which are extracted from the ground and further processed to reveal their inner beauty.
Ethiopian opal has found widespread use in jewelry, where it is used to create extraordinary rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry. Jewelers appreciate Ethiopian opal for its unique character and ability to add a unique charm to any design. In addition, gemstone collectors and lovers of unique treasures are fascinated by Ethiopian opal because each piece is unique and has its own history.
Ethiopian opal is a stone that evokes emotions and delights with its extraordinary play of colors and light. Its mysterious charm attracts both jewelry lovers and those looking for unique and beautiful stones for their collections. If you are fascinated by precious stones, Ethiopian opal will surely provide you with an unforgettable experience and an extra dose of magic.