Ethiopian Fire Opal 4.73 Carat — Natural Welo Origin with Brilliant Play-of-Color
This Ethiopian Fire Opal 4.73 Carat (5.20 Ratti) is a lab-certified natural opal from the famous Welo mines of Ethiopia. With a well-proportioned 13.3 × 9.4 mm face-up spread and excellent 7.1mm depth, this is an ideal size Opal (दूधिया पत्थर) for rings and pendants — offering the perfect balance of visual impact and comfortable wearability.
Discovered in 2008, Ethiopian Welo Opals have revolutionized the global opal market with their exceptional play-of-color and crystal clarity. This stone displays the mesmerizing rainbow fire — flashes of red, orange, green, and blue that dance across the surface as you move it — like nature’s own fireworks captured in crystal.
Gemstone Specifications
| Gemstone Type | Natural Fire Opal (Doodhiya Pathar / दूधिया पत्थर) |
| Weight | 4.73 Carat (5.20 Ratti) |
| Dimensions | 13.3 × 9.4 × 7.1 mm |
| Shape/Cut | Oval Cut |
| Colour | White with Play-of-Color Fire |
| Origin | Ethiopia (Welo Region) |
| Treatment | Natural & Untreated |
| Hardness | 6.5 on Mohs Scale |
| Refractive Index | 1.43 – 1.46 |
| Chemical Composition | SiO₂·nH₂O (Hydrated Silica) |
| Certification | Lab Certified (ISO 9001:2015 Certified Laboratory) |
| Conclusion | Natural Opal |
Why This 4.73 Carat Size is Perfect for Jewellery
This 4.73-carat Ethiopian Opal hits the sweet spot between impressive visual presence and practical wearability. The 13.3 × 9.4 mm spread provides excellent finger coverage for rings without being overly bulky. The 7.1mm depth ensures strong play-of-color from multiple angles — deeper stones capture and reflect more light, creating more vibrant fire.
At 5.20 Ratti, this stone also meets the traditional minimum weight recommendations for those interested in gemstones for personal or astrological purposes.
Understanding Ethiopian Opal’s Hydrophane Property
Ethiopian Opal is classified as “hydrophane” — it naturally absorbs water due to its porous silica structure. This is NOT a defect; it’s the very property that creates the spectacular play-of-color fire you see.
What happens if it gets wet: The play-of-color may temporarily disappear as water fills the microscopic voids between silica spheres. Simply allow the stone to air-dry naturally (24-48 hours) and the fire returns completely. Never use heat to speed drying — this can cause cracking.
Care recommendations:
- Remove before washing hands, showering, or swimming
- Apply perfumes and lotions BEFORE wearing your opal
- Clean with soft, dry cloth only — avoid ultrasonic cleaners
- Store separately from harder gemstones (diamonds, sapphires will scratch opal)
- Avoid extreme temperature changes
Best jewellery types: Pendants and earrings offer maximum protection. For rings, choose protective bezel settings and reserve for occasional wear.
Certification and Authenticity
Every gemstone from Ratna Gems includes:
- Lab Certificate from an ISO 9001:2015 Certified Gems Testing Laboratory
- Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee — we stand behind every stone we sell
- Certificate Verification — verify your report directly with the issuing laboratory
The certificate confirms this stone’s identity as Natural Opal with no treatment.
Natural Characteristics
Minor natural inclusions, colour zoning, or internal growth patterns may be visible under magnification. These are natural identifying characteristics that help gemologists confirm the stone is genuinely natural and distinguish it from synthetic or imitation materials. Such features are normal in natural gemstones and do not indicate defects.
Browse More Opal Options
Explore our complete collection of certified Ethiopian Opal stones:
View All Opal Stones
New to buying Opal? Read our comprehensive guide first:
Opal (Doodhiya Pathar) Buying Guide
Our Commitment to You
| Certification | Lab report from ISO 9001:2015 Certified Laboratory + Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee |
| Returns | 7-day easy return from delivery. See our Return & Refund Policy |
| Shipping | Free insured shipping across India with tracking |
| Packaging | Secure, tamper-evident packaging |
| Payment | COD available | Secure online payment options |
| Support | WhatsApp assistance for any queries |
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a 100% natural Ethiopian Opal, confirmed by laboratory certification. The stone is completely untreated — no heat, no dye, no enhancement of any kind. The play-of-color you see is entirely natural.
Ethiopian Opal is “hydrophane” meaning it naturally absorbs water. When water enters the stone’s microscopic voids, it changes the light diffraction properties that create the play-of-color. This is temporary — once the stone air-dries completely (24-48 hours, sometimes longer), the fire returns in full. Never use heat to speed drying as this can cause cracking.
Ethiopian Opal has a hardness of 6.5 on Mohs scale — softer than sapphire or diamond. For daily wear, we recommend pendants or earrings which are better protected. If used in rings, choose protective bezel settings and remove during physical activities, washing, or swimming. With proper care, Ethiopian Opal can be enjoyed for many years.
The main difference is water absorption. Ethiopian Opal is hydrophane (absorbs water) while Australian Opal is non-porous and water-stable. Ethiopian Opals often display more vivid, three-dimensional fire at significantly lower price points. Australian Opals are priced higher due to their established reputation and water-resistant nature. Both are 100% natural precious opals.
Clean Ethiopian Opal with a soft, dry microfiber cloth only. Avoid water, soap, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners. If the stone accidentally gets wet, let it air-dry naturally in a safe place — never use hair dryers or heaters. Store separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.
Opal is the official birthstone for October. In Vedic tradition, it is associated with Venus (Shukra) and is mentioned as a gemstone option for Libra (Tula) and Taurus (Vrishabha) signs. For specific guidance, we recommend consulting a qualified astrologer based on your individual birth chart.
Ethiopian Opal became commercially available only in 2008, making it newer to the market than Australian Opal which has over 100 years of established trade. Additionally, Ethiopian deposits are abundant and the hydrophane property requires extra care — both factors contribute to more accessible pricing. The beauty and play-of-color, however, are equally stunning.
Yes, we offer a 7-day easy return policy from the date of delivery. Please review our Return & Refund Policy for complete terms and conditions.
Silver, white gold, and platinum are popular choices for opal settings. The choice often depends on personal preference, budget, and desired jewellery style. Bezel settings offer more protection than prong settings for this softer gemstone.
Ratna Gems specializes in loose certified gemstones and does not currently offer custom jewellery services. You can have this stone set by your trusted local jeweller.
