Synthetic Opals vs Natural Opals: What are the Differences?

With their mesmerising play of colour, natural opals are some of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. One of the most surprising facts about opals is that over 95 percent of the world’s precious opals originate from Australian deposits such as Lightning Ridge and Coober Pedy. However, not all opals you will see in the nation’s jewellery stores will have been sourced from Australia’s mines. 
Synthetic opals are becoming increasingly common, as an affordable alternative to the natural stone. While some may see the differences between the two as a direct comparison, but both types of opals have their own advantages and target markets. Read on to learn the differences between synthetic and natural opals, and how they could shape your next piece of jewellery.

What are Natural Opals?

Natural opals are bold, unique and breathtaking. They are formed by microscopic silica spheres that seep into crevices in the earth over millions of years. No two opals are exactly alike, with each stone having its own distinct patterns and colours. Natural opals can generally be classified by their body tone. White, black and boulder opals are all formed naturally and are valuable gemstones. Various criteria are used to assess and determine their rarity and value.

What are Synthetic Opals

Synthetic opals, or lab-grown opals, are manufactured using methods that replicate the natural formation process. Spheres of silica, the same material found in natural opals, are arranged into a pattern that is then solidified into a gem-like structure.

Synthetic Opals vs Natural Opals: Key Differences

Beyond the amount of time it takes to create them, there are a number of other differences between a synthetic opal and a natural one. 

Natural opals are rarer, although every example of the gemstone will have its own unique appearance. A natural opal will also exhibit a varied, organic play of colour.
Synthetic opals, on the other hand, are easier to create. Synthetic opals are also often used in the creation of doublet or triplet pieces.

Why Should I Choose a Natural Opal

Natural opals are as beautiful as they are rare. Each opal acquires its unique shape naturally over millions of years, resulting in a truly exclusive piece of jewellery. Their play of colour is mesmerising, incorporating abstract patterns that change depending on how light hits the stone. Choosing a natural opal means opting for a symbol of purity, exclusivity and opulence.

How to Tell if an Opal is Real or Synthetic

Identifying whether an opal was formed naturally or grown in a lab involves considering its appearance carefully. Below, we have listed a number of items you can look for to determine whether or not the opal you are looking at is real or synthetic:

• Pattern: Due to their natural formation process, natural opals will display unique patterns and subtle variations in colour around the body of the stone. A synthetic opal, on the other hand, will typically have a more consistent appearance.
• Tone and finish: Synthetic opals often have a smooth finish, without any host rock on the while natural opals have a subtle, yet noticeable, texture that results from their natural formation process. 
• Play of colour: A synthetic opal tends to be geometric with repeating patterns. The organic gemstone’s play of colour may appear more random, unique and more abstract compared to natural solid opals. 

If you have any doubts as to whether an opal is real or synthetic, contact a reputable jeweller to arrange an inspection of the stone.

Explore a Range of Natural Opals at Volle Jewellery

Natural and synthetic opals are two common variations of the gemstone used in the creation of jewellery. Where natural opals take millions of years to form naturally, synthetic varieties can be produced in just a few months. A natural opal is likely to have an abstract shape, pattern and tone, while a synthetic opal will typically be less textured. 
At Volle Jewellery, we carry a collection of natural opal jewellery. Our inventory includes some of the finest opals in Sydney, which have been crafted into unique pieces by our talented and experienced jewellers. Browse the full collection by visiting our flagship store in Sydney’s CBD today.