Tindi 09.30Cts. Jumbo Boulder Ethiopian Opal Natural Welo Fire Rough Specimen Gemstone Supply, Jewelry Making Gemstones, Loose Crystals, October Birthstone, Fire Play Opal, Handpicked Assorted

I wasn't sure based on reviews what to expect. A $10 opal? Really? Yeah, apparently so, straight from Ethiopia, and it's a banger.This is a Welo opal and has some unique characteristics compared to the traditional opals of my parents' day. It has no color bar; the color is all through the crystal. It looks like a "piece of glass" in the same way obsidian can look like glass. Opals are made of silica, and Welo opals specifically from volcanic activity (just like obsidian). And although fake opals exist, this is not one. You can tell from the pattern that it hasn't been lab grown. If you're lucky, you might get a honeycomb patterned opal, which are more prominent in Welo opals.Welos are a tricky opal to care for, starting with they're a hydrophane opal, meaning if this pretty gets wet, it'll absorb the water and look completely different. It can go clear completely, or clear and keep the sparkly color. As it dries, it can become totally white/cloudy until it fully dries out, which can take days to weeks, depending. And if you splash some colorful/dirty water or oil on it, this opal will absorb that too, aka, not a great ring stone if you're washing dishes or a messy eater.Most important, if this stone gets full of water while still surrounded by an unyielding matrix of stone/sand, the opal can crack. So don't go tossing your opal in water if it's still got a crust of rock on it. Treat it like a Gremlin that can't get wet.Does it feel unnaturally light? That should indicate it's dry. If not, and it feels like an expected weight and isn't showing color, it could have absorbed water and need to dry out before showing it's true colors. These opals are weirdly light and almost plastic feeling.This opal can also crack from too much heat. Opals are soft in general, softer than quartz, and can get banged up, chipped + scratched far easier than most gems. And just cuz they're cheap on Amazon doesn't mean they're not still beautiful and worth caring for. Welos have a completely different market because of the large amounts found, but they're legit opals and absolutely stunning. Super glad I found this listing. I had no clue I could get an opal this pretty, this cheap, and I can't wait to cut it.

I've learned that when ordering rough opal online, set your expectations very low. And do NOT expect to receive what is pictured. Until now I have been mostly disappointed with the items I received. But Tindi has changed that! I am in no way disappointed with the items I received! they are exquisite specimens and were received well ahead of expected delivery times with an included gift. I have placed them at the very top of my list for rough Opal. They can certainly expect more business from me!

This stone looked nothing like an opal. It looks like a piece of glass. I know the description says it’s raw but I looks nothing like the picture shown. It was really tiny too.

Mine was white. It’s pretty though.

Not as pictured,probably a reject.

Am sure when sanded down more if the Opal will show very pretty

I read some of the reviews but I wanted to see. I am not disappointed. While I thought I got got, TBH, it's a really pretty stone. It has lots of color, definite sparkle and colors of a genuine opal. It's not outstanding, but it's unique and that's what I was wanting. Overall, I like it. I am happy with my purchase.

Looks nothing like photo