How To Buy Opals -

Look at the side. Straight, glued lines mean it's a composite. Pattern and Shape The way the color is arranged affects the price. Harlequin: Large, distinct squares of color. Rarest. Pinfire: Tiny dots of color. Common. Flash: Large blocks of color that blink on and off.

Tiny cracks on the surface. These can eventually break the stone. how to buy opals

Too perfect. Patterns look "snakeskin" or repetitive. Look at the side

Used to make cheap Ethiopian opals look like Black Opals. Look at the side. Straight