Lab Created Opal
Lab Created Opal
Lab Created Opal
Lab-made opals are synthetic gemstones that usually contain hydrated silica and are available in different colors. These man-made gemstones have similar internal structure, physical properties, chemical composition, and appearance as earth-mined opals.
In some cases, lab-made opals exhibit superior hardness and might offer more color options to natural gemstones. These gemstones also have multiple beautiful characteristics that may not be available from mined opals.
Lab-created opals look so natural and it might take a while for experienced geologists to differentiate it from natural variants. Many jewelers and buyers prefer lab-created opals as they are cheaper, easier to produce, and are available in many colors.
There’s more interesting stuff to know about lab-created opals if you ever plan to own these crystals. That’s why this article provides essential details about the uses, origins, and maintenance tips for lab-created opals.
History of Lab Created Opal
Lab created opals came to being in the 1960s when scientists discovered its play-of-color potential. Several advancements since the 1964 discovery now put opals among some of the most used gemstones ever.
How are Lab Created Opals Made?
Lab-made opals form after precipitating uniform silica spheres, allowing them settle into an array, and then fill them with a binder. The binder hardens, draws in all silica spheres and forms a structure that can diffract light.
Lab created opals are more difficult to produce than many other gemstones since it requires exact items to form properly. These gemstones also need to form and improve on the luster, color, and translucence of natural diamonds.
Uses of Lab Created Opal
Adornments
Lab-created opals are useful as adornments on luxury jewelry pieces. Some jewelers fit these stones on titanium, silver, or gold necklaces, earrings, and other precious metals.
However, opals as adornments can work in many more areas.
These crystals are easy to form and work into different shapes and sizes. Designers now use opal stones as adornments on vases, art pieces, musical instruments, and many other items.
Exhibition gemstones
Some of the finest opal gemstones feature at exhibitions of art pieces. These stones have a beautiful appearance and are preferred for art pieces by several experienced creators. The range of colors and relatively low price of lab-made opals make them an excellent choice for creating beautiful works of art.
Luxury glasswork detail
Decorative ceilings, windows, and other glass-made fittings usually feature opals in their designs. Many beautiful cathedral windows and dome pieces you see have opals as a major part of their art.
Fast-dry gel
Kyocera and few opal producers now incorporate lab-made opals into their gels. These gels feature tiny, evenly-suspended particles of opals and usually feature on fingernail polish, decorative paint, and other decorative products.
Chemical Properties of Lab Created Opal
- Composition: 15-20% SiO2 + 85-80% Resin
- Density: 1.90 – 2.2 g/cm3
- Fracture: Irregular, fine pattern with multidirectional swirling
- Hardness (Mohs’ Scale): 5.5
- Heat Resistance: 900°C
- Porosity: None
- Refractive Index: 1.49 – 1.50
- Specific Gravity: 1.3 – 2.05 g/cm3
Maintenance Tips for Lab Created Opal
You can maintain your lab-created opals by:
- Wiping it with a soft, damp cotton cloth and allow it to air dry
- Rubbing its surface with a dry, soft cotton cloth to retain its shine
- Cleaning the gemstones with a baking soda and white vinegar mix
- Storing the crystals in an airtight, cushioned container
Avoid using harsh chemicals on your lab-made opals. Some elements in jewelry cleaners might weaken the polymer resin used to hold lab-made opals together.