However, unlike diamonds (which are incredibly hard), opals are a relatively soft gemstone. Opals are rated at approximately 5 or 6 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, while diamonds are rated 10. To put this into perspective, opals have approximately the same hardness as glass. In general, opals are rarer than diamonds because there are fewer high-quality opals available than diamonds. The good news is that you can find a gem-quality opal at a great price, especially compared to a diamond.
Some of the rarest opals in the world even surpass diamonds on a carat price scale, such as The Eternal Flame, the rarest opal in the world. According to astrology, opal is one of the best substitutes for Diamond. Its healing properties are the same as those of diamonds. Opals are much softer than diamonds and, as such, are easily scratched or chipped.
Opals require more care when used, compared to diamonds. A diamond will always shine and it also comes at a very high price, while an opal can lose its fire if it is mistreated and is much more affordable. That said, a fine opal with a big fire is harder to find than a fine diamond. It's also important to know that opals have existed for thousands of years, whereas Diamonds have only existed for about 200 years, and Diamonds were discovered much later by people.
Opal is so fascinating that it is difficult to evaluate it from the first glance and even from the second. The flashes of color inside natural opals generally show “brushstrokes”, while synthetic opals show a “snakeskin” pattern. On the other hand, opals set in closed settings of pink or yellow gold can have a warmer tone, giving the already warm-colored opals an even stronger yellow saturation. Since opals have a much lower density or specific gravity than these other gems, you can also get a much larger ring stone with the same carat weight.
Therefore, for assembled opals, identification depends entirely on recognition of the brushstroke or snakeskin pattern. Opal doublets are thin layers of opals glued to ironstone, onyx, or some other support, which can be made of natural or synthetic materials. During Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times, opals were especially in fashion, prized for their soft, ethereal shine. Cherry fire opal accents add a touch of bright color to the Celtic knot details on the shoulders of this black onyx ring.
While a diamond gives you that classic gemstone look with clarity, brilliance and impressive cut, an opal will impress with its sudden flashes of color hidden within its modest body. Because the value of most diamonds could be better than opals, while large opals are rarer than diamonds, a fantastic massive opal can be much more precious than a small, charming diamond. Opal is a charming, attractive and least expensive stone, making it the most used in astrology to take advantage of the benefits of the planet Venus. Opals are a little different from the standard, as they often require a different, more protective setting, and are not used in fine jewelry as much as diamonds.
In addition, opals will dehydrate over time, and advertising heat and positive chemicals will speed up the way.
