Australian vs. Ethiopian opal
Last reviewed
Two different stones
Most Ethiopian opal comes from Welo, and it's hydrophane, which means it absorbs water, sweat and oils. When it's soaked it can turn see-through for a while, lose its color, or crack as it dries. Many stones recover, but not all.
Australian opal formed in sedimentary rock and doesn't absorb water the same way. It holds up well in water and in everyday wear, which is a big part of why "Australian" carries a premium.
How the prices compare
Ethiopian opal is usually much cheaper than Australian opal of similar brightness. That's a fair price for a beautiful stone that needs more care.
Be careful with "Ethiopian black opal". Ethiopia doesn't produce black opal the way Lightning Ridge does. What's sold under that name is usually Ethiopian opal that has been smoked or treated to darken it. Sold as treated, at a treated-stone price, that's fine. Sold at black opal prices, it isn't.
A good rule: pay Ethiopian prices for Ethiopian opal and Australian prices for Australian opal. If a listing doesn't say where the stone is from, ask.
How to tell them apart
Price is the first clue: large, bright and cheap usually means Ethiopian or lab-created. The origin should also be stated clearly. "Welo" or "Ethiopian" is honest labeling, and "opal" with no origin at a suspiciously low price isn't.
Ethiopian opal often has a glassy, honey-colored body, and it tends to be very clean, because it formed in volcanic rock rather than among sand and potch. Checks that work on any stone are in how to tell if an opal is real.
We sell Australian opal only, from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales and Koroit in Queensland, because we want our pieces to be worn anywhere, including in the ocean.