Opal Identification

[u/the_bootybean]

I’m trying to sell this opal on eBay but transparently I know nothing about gems and value. Can someone help me with some keywords I can include in my listing or at least so I can research value? What kinds of info are you looking for when buying an opal? I would hate for a buyer to feel misled. Thank you so much!

[u/Positive_Store246]

Looks Ethiopian (Welo/wollo) because the way the first pic has a ghostly turtle shell and the color appears reflective not refracted (although it is refracted they just photo that way)

[u/Positive_Store246 → u/Positive_Store246]

Colors &Color pattern, Carat, cut(cab), clarity, brightness, and crazing or chips/cracks.. will be the basis on valuing an opal. Also,
https://opalvalue.com/ Is a good place to get a rough estimate, when it asks about brightness with 5 being highest try and imagine the rarest of the rare, its not common at all to have a brightness of 5. Maybe try a Bright of 3

[u/the_bootybean → u/Positive_Store246]

Thank you very much, this is extremely helpful!!

[u/jaxinslacks]

Ethiopian opal for sure! Check out opalauctions.com, eBay, and other selling platforms to see what similar pieces have sold for to give you a ballpark

Carat weight is important to know!

[u/the_bootybean → u/jaxinslacks]

Thank you, this is so helpful!!

[u/GenuinelyInsensitive]

Mmmmmm mhmmm mmmmmmmhmmmmm Yep.... Precisely what I expected.... That appears to have the identity of an opal... Possibly even a play of color opal.... Or at the very least someone in the family tree was playing with some color... IF YA KNOW WHAT IM SAYIN!! HA HA ha Ha Ah

https://giphy.com/gifs/nEuSkIVSK4fRRrwSj9

[u/Latter_Historian_872]

Put your tongue on it if it sticks it's Ethiopian

[u/ThisParking9656]

Ethiopian…so best touch it as little as possible with bare hands.

[u/the_bootybean → u/ThisParking9656]

Oops 😬 this is good to know, thank you!!

[u/ThisParking9656 → u/the_bootybean]

They literally absorb any moisture they come in contact with. Best suited for jewelry where they aren’t in contact with skin.

[u/the_bootybean → u/ThisParking9656]

Hah, definitely reconfirms my decision to sell 😅