VIDEO
Ethiopian White Opal, Cabochon (Parcel), 7.57 ct
$230.00
These polished white opals are from the opal deposits at Wegel Tena and Mezezo in Wollo province, Ethiopia. This region is producing word-class opals and its market share is growing against the Australian variety. We source rough opals and cut and polish custom-made cabochons for jewelry companies and collectors.
White opals from Wegel Tena and Mezezo are hydrophane (water-loving) which means this material absorbs water and appearance will turn cloudy when submerged in water or exposed to humid environments. This material returns to its original state when dried.
External reference: GIA: Play-of-Color Opal from Wegel Tena, Wollo Province, Ethiopia, 2008.
| Lot ID | OP-ET-P-42 |
|---|---|
| Gem type | White opal – hydrophane (absorbs water) |
| State | Polished |
| Pieces | 4 |
| Weight | 7.57 ct |
| Shape(s) | Cabochon |
| Length / width / depth | N/A |
| Body tone | N8 (N7 – N9 are the white body tone types) |
| Brightness | 2 (1 = brightest, 7= dullest) |
| Treatment | No treatment, 100% natural |
| Origin | Wollo, Ethiopia |
| References | GIA: Play-of-Color Opal from Wegel Tena, Wollo Province, Ethiopia, 2008 |
DEPOSIT CHARACTERISTICS
1. White opal can be found at Wegel Tena, Wollo Province, Ethiopia;
2. This opal-bearing layer is within a volcanic rock region, close to the top of a plateau at 3,500 meters altitude;
3. The white opal yielded is porous and absorbs water (hydrophane);
4. Large quantities of gem-quality material is available and extracted material generally comes as nodules and chunks that are 2–5 cm long; and
5. The material has white base with a vivid play-of-colour.
WHITE OPAL DEPOSIT LOCATION
Click to load the map.
