Identify The Different Qualities, Process, Types & Cleaning of Opal Beads
                     Identify The Different Qualities, 
Process,  Types & Cleaning of Opal 
Nowadays, tBhee maadrkestplace is flooded with endless gemstone beads that you  
can choose according to your needs and personality. These gemstones are not  
just beautiful in appeal but different gemstones also serve different purposes.  
Among various gemstone beads, opal is the most preferred choice for jewelry  
making. Renowned for its endless beauty, opal beads are extremely appealing.  
These beautiful gemstone beads are available in a variety of colors. Opal gems  
are popular in jewelry making and the best part about this gemstone is that it  
can be used to make every type of ornament be it a ring or necklace.
When you are looking for an authentic opal bead, you must know how to  
understand the different qualities, know the process, and choose the type. This  
guide is quite useful for you and helps you understand them:
Let’s Begin with the Quality of Opal Gems
Any gemstone should be picked on the basis of its quality. When you are  
looking to buy beads online, you have to be sure about their quality.  
Generally, there are three aspects to determine the opal quality.
Color
Consider background color and play-of-color. You will witness colorful flashes  
when you move the stone. You must opt for the opal with vibrant and distinct  
play-of-color.
Pattern
Patterns should be kept in mind while choosing opal gems for jewelry making.  
It is the arrangement of play-of-color.
Clarity
Never overlook this point. Opals can be found in a range from transparent to  
opaque. Transparency lets light passes through opal gemstone and has a huge  
impact on its appearance.
Understand the Process
Before you buy Ethiopian opal beads at wholesale prices, you must  
understand its process. Here we mention some points that help you  
understand the process of opal beads.
Natural
Natural opals are found in the earth’s crust. Not just they are highly valued but  
also have a unique appearance.
Synthetic
These types of opal gems are man-made. They have similar optical properties  
and are cheaper than natural opals.
Opal doublets and triplets
These types of opals are made by combining the layers of natural and synthetic  
opals with other materials like quartz or glass.
Determine the Type of Opal
A lot of factors are there that help you determine the type of opal. Let’s have a  
look at some common types of opals you can easily find in the market:
White Opals
Transparent to opaque white opals and other light color backgrounds with  play-
of-color that ranges from vibrant colors to pastel hues, white opals are  popular 
for their subtle elegance.
Black Opals
Black opals are rare and have a dark body tone that enhances their appeal.  
People choose this highly sought-after opal gemstone for jewelry making  
purposes.
Fire Opals
Fire opals are available in vibrant yellow, red, and orange colors without the  
play-of-color found in the stone. They are admired for their unique shades.
Crystal Opals
Sometimes called water opals, crystal opals are transparent with a clear  
background. They can be semitransparent and show excellent play-of-color.
Cleaning of Opal Gems
Opal gems are highly delicate that require gentle cleaning to retain their  
beauty and integrity. You can clean opals with this step-by-step guide without  
affecting their beauty.
Gather cleaning essentials
Get mild soap or gemstone cleaner, warm water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, a  
bowl, and a soft microfiber cloth.
Prepare a cleaning solution
Add warm water to the bowl and pour a small amount of gemstone cleaner or  
mild soap. Avoid hot water as it can damage your opal.
Soak opal
Soak the bead for a few minutes. This step will help you get rid of dirt and  
grimes easily.
Clean it gently
Now, take the opal out of the water and gently clean it with a brush. Do not  
apply too much pressure to prevent scratches.
Rinse and dry
Now, rinse the opal in clean or lukewarm water to get rid of the remaining dirt  
and cleaning solution. Now, clean and dry it with a soft microfiber cloth.
Remember
Make sure the opal is completely dry and gently polish the bead with a dry  
cloth before you wear it.
To conclude
Certainly, opal gems are easy to find especially when you reach a trusted  
person, who deals in natural gemstone beads at wholesale rates. However,  
you must have basic knowledge of gemstone quality, process, type, and  
cleaning of opal. Now, refer to this guide and buy the right opal for you.
Source Link:
https://www.gossipposts.com/identify-the-different-qualities-processes-  
types-cleaning-of-opal-beads/