Ethiopian opals are not only beautiful, but they generally cost less than similar opals. Ethiopian welo opal is a hydrophane meaning that it can soak up water like a sponge. As a result, this opal can have vivid play-of-color flashing. When hydrated, the stone becomes more translucent and the play of colors more defined.
Highlights
- CARAT: Total weight of the gem is 1.85 ctw
- CUT: The gemstone is beautifully cut in an oval shape
- SIZE: It comes with the size of 9x7 mm
- GRADE: The gem is AAAA graded
- ORIGIN: Ethiopian welo opal deposits occur in the Welo region of Ethiopia
- COLOR: This gemstone contains the orange color
- SPECIAL FEATURES: Being hydrophane, it can soak up water like a sponge. When hydrated, the stone becomes more translucent and the play of colors more defined. After it releases water, it reverts to opaque
- FUN FACT: The most crucial opal discovery in Ethiopia to date was made in 2008 near the town of Wegel Tena in the Wollo Province in the northern part of the country