Opal (Doodhiya Patthar) Buying Guide: 7 Expert Tips for the Perfect Stone
Opal, the queen of gemstones, is a world of color captured in a single stone. Known in India as Doodhiya Patthar, its mesmerizing “play-of-color”—a dazzling dance of rainbow flashes—makes it one of the most unique and sought-after gems. Valued as a symbol of hope, creativity, and passion, buying a genuine Opal requires a special understanding of its unique characteristics. This expert guide provides in-depth knowledge on how to evaluate its quality, understand its varieties, and buy an authentic Opal stone with complete confidence.
The value of an Opal is defined by the brilliance and pattern of its play-of-color.
Opal (Doodhiya Patthar) at a Glance
| Gemstone Type | Hydrated Amorphous Silica |
| Indian Name | Doodhiya Patthar |
| Key Feature | Play-of-Color |
| Metaphysical Properties | Creativity, Love, Good Fortune |
| Hardness | 5.5 – 6.5 on the Mohs Scale (Requires special care) |
Step 1: Understand Play-of-Color – The Heart of the Opal
Unlike other gems, Opal’s primary value comes from its play-of-color. This is the spectacular flashing of rainbow colors that occurs when the stone is moved. This effect is created by light interacting with microscopic silica spheres inside the stone. When evaluating an opal stone, consider:
- Brilliance: How bright and intense are the flashes of color? The more brilliant, the better.
- Color Range: Opals that display a full spectrum of colors, especially rare reds and oranges, are more valuable than those with only blue and green flashes.
- Pattern: The arrangement of colors is also important. Rare patterns like “harlequin” (large, distinct patches of color) are the most valuable.
Step 2: Know the Different Types and Origins of Opal
The type and origin of an Opal dramatically affect its value, appearance, and care requirements.
- Australian Opal: This is the industry benchmark for quality and stability. Mined for over a century, Australian opal is known for its brilliant play-of-color and is not porous, meaning its appearance is stable and will not change when exposed to water. Black opals from Lightning Ridge, Australia, are the most valuable in the world.
- Ethiopian Opal: A more recent discovery, Ethiopian opal is prized for its often spectacular, vivid, and three-dimensional play-of-color. It is typically more affordable than its Australian counterpart. However, most Ethiopian opal is “hydrophane,” meaning it can absorb water.
Crucial Information on Ethiopian Opal: When a hydrophane Ethiopian opal gets wet (even from humidity or rain), it will absorb water and may temporarily become transparent, losing its play-of-color. The color and fire will return once the stone is completely dry, which can take several days. This is a natural characteristic, but it means the stone requires careful handling.
Step 3: Understand Opal’s Softness and Durability
Opal is a delicate gemstone with a hardness of only 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It contains water and can crack if exposed to sudden temperature changes or dry conditions. It is best suited for earrings and pendants, or for rings that are worn with great care.
Step 4: Examine the Cut and Shape
Opal is almost always cut into a cabochon to best display its play-of-color. A well-cut opal will have a smooth, symmetrical dome that is not too high or too flat. The cut should be oriented to maximize the vibrancy and visibility of the color flashes.
Step 5: Understand Pricing Factors
The opal stone price is one of the most complex in the gem world. It is determined by:
- Play-of-Color: This is the most important factor. Brilliance, color range, and pattern determine the majority of the value.
- Origin: Australian opals generally command higher prices due to their stability and market history.
- Body Tone: Black opals are the most expensive, followed by crystal and then white opals.
- Clarity: The stone should be free from cracks or distracting inclusions.
Step 6: Verify Authenticity (Solid vs. Assembled)
It is critical to know if you are buying a solid opal or an “assembled” stone.
Expert Insight: Be aware of doublets and triplets. A doublet is a thin slice of precious opal glued to a dark backing to enhance its color. A triplet adds a clear quartz or glass cap on top for durability. These are legitimate products but are much less valuable than a solid, original opal stone and this must be disclosed.
Step 7: Purchase from a Reputable Seller
Always buy from a trusted gemstone dealer who specializes in opals and provides full transparency. A reputable seller will disclose the opal’s type (black, white), origin (Australian, Ethiopian), and whether it is a solid stone, doublet, or triplet.
Why Trust Ratna Gems for Your Opal?
At Ratna Gems, we are committed to providing authentic, high-quality gemstones with complete transparency. We are your trusted source because we offer:
- Certified Authentic Opal: Every Doodhiya Patthar is certified by a recognized lab and comes with a Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.
- Transparent and Honest Pricing: We offer competitive prices for genuine Opal with full disclosure on quality, origin, and type.
- Unmatched Customer Support: Our experts are here to guide you, and our 7-day return policy ensures your complete satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of Opal (Doodhiya Patthar)?
Opal is known as a stone of inspiration and creativity. It is believed to enhance imagination, release inhibitions, and encourage emotional expression. It is also associated with love, passion, and good luck.
What is the difference between Australian and Ethiopian Opal?
Australian opals are known for their stability and have a non-porous structure. Ethiopian opals are often hydrophane, meaning they can absorb water, which may temporarily cause their play-of-color to disappear until they are fully dry again.
Is Opal suitable for daily wear?
No, Opal is not recommended for daily wear in rings. Its softness (5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale) and water content make it vulnerable to scratches and cracking. It is best reserved for special occasion jewelry or pieces like earrings and pendants.
How should I care for my Opal jewelry?
Clean your Opal gently with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, or harsh chemicals. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperature changes, and store it separately to prevent scratches.
