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Synthetic opal was first developed in the late 1970s by Pierre Gilson in France. By replicating the natural process of opal formation, scientists were able to create synthetic opals that exhibit similar optical properties to natural opals.

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1y ago

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Is synthetic opal a mineral?

No. As it is synthetic it is man-made. A mineral must be naturally occurring and have a crystalline structure (among other requirements). Synthetic opal does not meet these criteria.


Are there different kinds of opal?

The types of Opal that i am familiar with are White Opal, Fire Opal, Boulder Opal, Black Opal, Crystal Opal, Light Opal, Doublet Opal, Triplet Opal, Common Opal, Synthetic Opal, and Immitation Opal.


What is a created opal?

A created opal is a type of synthetic opal that is made in a laboratory. It is created using a combination of silica spheres and a polymer resin material to mimic the appearance of natural opal. Created opals can display similar color play and patterns to genuine opals.


How can you tell if an opal is synthetic?

Synthetic opals may exhibit more vibrant colors, perfect patterns, and consistent play-of-color compared to natural opals. Additionally, synthetic opals often have a more uniform appearance and lack the inclusions and imperfections present in natural opals. A gemologist should be able to confirm whether an opal is synthetic through specialized testing techniques.


What stones are similar to opal?

Stones similar to opal include labradorite, which exhibits a play of color known as schiller, and moonstone, known for its adularescence and shimmering effect. Other alternatives are fire opal, which displays vibrant colors, and boulder opal, featuring the host rock integrated with the opal. Additionally, synthetic opals, created in labs, mimic the appearance of natural opals but are more uniform in color.


Will opal run out?

Opal is a finite resource, primarily mined in Australia, which accounts for the majority of the world's supply. While current reserves are substantial, increasing demand and limited new discoveries may lead to depletion over time. However, advancements in synthetic opal production could provide alternatives, potentially easing concerns about running out of natural opal. Overall, while it's not imminent, the availability of natural opal could decline in the future.


In which country were the first synthetic detergents developed?

Developed after the first world war in Germany.


How many types of opals are there?

There are 5 basic types of opal. These types are Peruvian Opal, Fire Opal, Girasol Opal, Common opal and Precious Opal.


What can subsitute opal?

One could suggest that there is simply no substitute for the color play of a top quality opal, although synthetic opals can look nice, Albertan ammolite can be quite spectacular, and color-play feldspars like labradorite or sunstone can be quite stunning.


What is another name for opal?

Another name for opal is "fire opal."


Is Nylon a synthetic fiber or a natural fiber?

Nylon is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum products. It was first developed by DuPont in the 1930s and is known for its strength, durability, and elasticity.


What synthetic fiber does elastane come from?

Elastane is itself a synthetic fiber. In the US it goes by the name "spandex". It's a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer that was developed in 1959.