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Black opal?

Even if it was an opal, it would be just potch.

When I was a kid I had this encyclopedia on rocks, minerals and gems that you'd collect piece by piece and each issue had a specimen. What they provided for opal was just potch so I grew up thinking opal was nothing spectacular, just a regular rock not worth paying any attention to. Imagine my surprise when I grew up and learned the truth!

This is what black opal is:
1655834094515.png

I'm sure you can see the difference between this and your rock.
 
Avondale said:
Even if it was an opal, it would be just potch.

When I was a kid I had this encyclopedia on rocks, minerals and gems that you'd collect piece by piece and each issue had a specimen. What they provided for opal was just potch so I grew up thinking opal was nothing spectacular, just a regular rock not worth paying any attention to. Imagine my surprise when I grew up and learned the truth!

This is what black opal is:
1655834094515.png

I'm sure you can see the difference between this and your rock.
Click to expand...

On the inside of my rock when the light hits it, it is the same color as the one in the pic u sent. It's also translucent and has the geometrical construct as other opals.
 
Avondale said:
Even if it was an opal, it would be just potch.

When I was a kid I had this encyclopedia on rocks, minerals and gems that you'd collect piece by piece and each issue had a specimen. What they provided for opal was just potch so I grew up thinking opal was nothing spectacular, just a regular rock not worth paying any attention to. Imagine my surprise when I grew up and learned the truth!

This is what black opal is:
1655834094515.png

I'm sure you can see the difference between this and your rock.
Click to expand...

Do u have an idea of what it could b??
 
It would help to know the origin of the stone. Is it Australian, African, or some other origin? It might be dark base Welo opal, but without more information it is hard to tell you more.
 
Nothing more than purely speculative but it looks like smoke treated Ethiopian Welo rough as it's too dark for chocolate(Shewa). This is commonly done to mimic Shewa opal.
The only way most would pay the premium for natural dark body is with a reputable lab report.
There is no way to determine anything by picture alone- it must be sent to a certified lab to have appropriate testing.
 
is that your photo? The stone has colour play so that would make it opal. Where did you find it? Is it Welo black opal? Is it natural, most Welo black opal is smoked / treated?
With Welo opal a lot depends on origin and stability. Unfortunately crazing and cracking is likely in Welo opal.
Aussie black opal is different to Welo opal, colour play is on a dark potch background. Much more stable as well.
 
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Redbeard812 said:
product-500x500.jpeg16558345185271060645802370264181.jpg
Click to expand...

If the inside of your rock looks like the example picture of opal rough posted above it, then that would most likely be opal, yes. Unfortunately, not much can be seen in your photos aside from a black rock with some yellow streaks. You could always ask a professional to view the stone in person and possibly identify it for you. There's only so much people here can do just by your pictures alone.
 
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@jordyonbass, what say you?

... and have you ever considered changing your name to OhPaul?
... and if you got a race transplant you could be Black OhPaul! :tongue:
 
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