Knowledge of the different types of opals can be hard to obtain; without a trained eye, certain patterns and ‘tells’ can often be overlooked. That’s why it is so disheartening when online stores sell synthetic ‘fake’ opal. Many individuals will not think of authenticity when looking at opal jewellery to purchase, as there is already a gathered trust that what they are purchasing is ‘genuine’. Opals currently make the best gifts; opal rings and jewellery are simple and easy to get for that ‘special someone’ and can be bought for both men and women alike. By educating yourself before buying an opal, you can avoid being unfairly charged exorbitant amounts, and shop without the anxiety of a deal gone wrong.

Currently, the only way to ultimately tell if an opal is synthetic is through visual cues. Luckily, all of the sure-fire ‘tells’ are pretty distinct, if you know what to look for.

What exactly is a ‘fake opal’? A ‘fake’ opal (also known as a synthetic, or man-made opal) is stone that has been created with the same properties as an opal, just under the conditions of a lab and human intervention, rather than the rare phenomenon that opal is known for. This concept of ‘imitation opal’ is not new, and although at first glance they can be deceiving, their chemical compact contains minerals that cannot be found in natural opal, meaning the synthetic gem must be cared for differently in comparison to its natural counterpart.


Ethiopian opals fit into a separate category, as technically these stones are not ‘fake’. These opals do exist naturally within the earth, however, to receive their vibrant colours, the stone must receive extensive modification. This process involves a chemical treatment that, while temporarily effective, is not without its limitations. Disturbingly, there have been numerous individuals who have unexpectedly found that this procedure is reversible, causing their once vibrant jewellery to bleed back into its natural dulled-brown state. Instances like this reveal the need for both seller transparency and wider education regarding opals, as the omission of such crucial information can only lead to mistrust growing between both parties.


Currently, the only ways to determine an opal's authenticity when shopping are strictly visible. The main ‘catch’ is what gemologists refer to as a ‘columnar structure’, or ‘snakeskin’ pattern. If you are able to hold the opal, turning it on its side could reveal straight columns of colour that run vertically; if these are present in the stone, then it is a fake opal. Synthetic opals also will emit a green colour when examined under a UV light, which is the reason why jewellers will often carry a UV torch to test if the stone ‘fluoresces’. If there is nothing, then it is a natural stone.

By educating yourself before purchasing opal, potential fraud can be avoided. To help you be a more informed and confident customer, we've put up a list of some more simple techniques to recognise whether an opal is real or not.

The Opal Pattern: When looked at (either under magnification or with the naked eye), you can observe that synthetic opals have a regular colour pattern. Natural stones are random and do not have an even spread of colour ‘flashes’. If the stone is exhibiting structural patterns, then it is likely to be fake.
Country of Origin: Most opals are mined from Australia, the ‘opal capital of the world’. Although opal can be mined from other places, Russia and Hong Kong have become notorious in recent years for producing high-quality fake opals, that some sellers may try to pass off as the real thing.
Symmetry: No opal will contain a perfect split. If the opal is a natural stone, then even with cutting and polishing the stone, it may not be entirely symmetrical.
Colours on the Surface: Natural opals are layered, akin to a ‘sea of colour’. If the stone you are inspecting is very ‘shallow’, or only appears to have colour on the top layer, then you should proceed with caution.
Price: Opals are incredibly versatile, however, a $20 price tag (as is often seen in online jewellery stores) should create a healthy amount of suspicion. The deal may be real, but the chances are the opal is not.

Concluding an online search for opal jewellery calls for a heightened sense of vigilance in discerning the authenticity of the chosen pieces. Equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the visual and structural differentiators between genuine and synthetic opals, buyers are encouraged to prioritize reputable sellers with transparent policies and reliable product descriptions. By recognizing the hallmarks of authentic play-of-colour and remaining informed about potential treatments, buyers can ensure that their opal jewellery selections not only capture the captivating essence of these stones but also reflect the trustworthiness and integrity of the seller. No matter, if you're seeking gold opal rings or men’s opal rings, synthetic opal gemstones may be stunning, with dynamic, crystal clear light and colour plays. Both jewellers and gemstone merchants should be prepared to guarantee their work and provide third-party authentication of their opals.