5 Things You Should Never Do with Your Opal Stone (Most People Do)

An opal stone is considered to be one of the most unique and delicate gemstones. The ever-changing colours and fire effect in opal make this gemstone quite popular for jewellery and astrological uses. Yet, opal is much more delicate and less durable compared to many other types of gemstones, making it very fragile and sensitive.

It is quite unfortunate that many gemstone owners do not know what actions to take and which ones to avoid when taking care of their precious gemstone. Whether you purchased your gemstone just a couple of days ago or are considering buying an opal stone, knowing how to preserve its natural fire effect is very important.

In the following, you will find 5 actions which should be avoided at all costs if you wish to prolong the life of your opal stone.

1. Do Not Expose Opal Stone to Harsh Chemicals

Most opal stone owners do not know that exposing their gemstones to harmful chemicals, such as perfumes, detergents, hair sprays or even ordinary cleaners and soaps can gradually cause damage to the gemstone.

Even simple household cleaners can cause damage to the opal, including reducing the opal’s brilliance and affecting its polish.

To avoid damaging your opal stone:

• Take it off when cleaning
• Don’t spray your perfume close to it
• Do not use chemical cosmetics around it

If you wish to buy an opal stone in India naturally, you must be aware that natural gems need more attention compared to artificial stones.

2. Never Wear Your Opal Stone When Engaged in Physical Labour

Your opal stone is relatively soft. It means you can damage it when wearing it during gymming, playing sports, lifting, etc.

Most individuals think that all gemstones cannot break; however, opals are relatively fragile. In case your stone gets bumped against something, it may get harmed forever.

When you are purchasing a high-quality australian opal stone, you need to be careful since it might reduce its value. After comparing the original opal stone price, don’t risk breaking it. It means that owning a natural opal stone in India means you have to be cautious about everything.

3. Never Store Your Opal Stone Along With Other Jewellery

Throwing an opal stone ring or pendant into a jewellery box with diamonds and other hard stones is another common mistake.

It is easy for these harder materials to leave scratches on the surface of opal stones. Metal jewellery items might also cause some harm to opal stones.

Instead:

• Keep your opal stone stored separately
• Use soft fabric pouches or padded boxes for storing
• Keep the opal stone away from sunlight and heat

When shopping for an opal stone, consumers are usually concerned about its price. They don’t know that proper storage is essential for preserving the gemstone.

4. Never Purchase Opal Stone Without Checking for Certifications

Today, there are a lot of imitations, synthetic, and treated opal stones available in the market. The biggest blunder made by buyers is purchasing an opal stone without verifying its authenticity.

Natural opal stones have unique colour play and patterns. However, several imitation stones are available in the market at lower costs.

Before purchasing:

• Request a certificate of the gemstone
• Make sure that the gemstone is natural or treated
• Confirm the source of the stone
• Get a genuine estimate of the original opal stone price from reliable vendors only

There is an increasing demand for natural opal stones in India, and thus fake or synthetic types have become rampant in recent years. A certified opal stone ensures greater longevity and reliability.

5. Do Not Neglect Opal Stone Care and Maintenance

While many people wear opal stone jewellery regularly, they forget about maintaining them. Accumulation of dirt, oil, and other particles makes the gemstone lose its luster and become dull. Nevertheless, maintenance should also be done gently.

Do not:

• Use ultrasonic cleaner on opal stone
• Soak the gemstone in any chemical substances
• Clean with harsh scrubbing and abrasive tools

On the contrary, maintain your opal stone with:

• Lukewarm water
• Gentle fabric or paper towels
• Detergent when needed

If you have a high-quality or natural opal stone in India, then you will benefit significantly by cleaning it.