How do you care for Mexican opal?

[Travelngal]

I bought several opals and they're being sent now. Once I get them, how should they be stored?

I have two more smaller ones that match the large orange (12 cts). The plan is to make a pendant and earrings from the orange and the red trillion.. thought the color was pretty so it's coming along for the ride.

 

[Arkteia]

Wow! I love the Mexican opals, and your large one is also cut so well. Fantastic stone, congratulations.

 

[Travelngal]

Thanks,
Here's another picture of the smaller earring stones..one prior to being cut.



Once I get them I'll take my own pictures.


And the red one with others that were for sale.

 

[ChrisA222]

Killer Opals....seriously...wow!

 

[Travelngal]

I hope they look as nice in person as they do in pics.

Now, do they get any special care requirements other than no heat and no vibration?

I've heard opals can lose their color after a while.. Could these?

 

[chrono]

Fire opal, or any opal tends to crack and fade if left to dry. If you live in a place with a very dry climate, or if you leave your opals in a dehumidified room, you will have to take some precautions with the gemstone. For storage, leave the fire opal in a tight plastic bag or sealed container along with a damp piece of cotton or fabric to prevent dehydration of the stone as once its water content evaporates, the stone dehydrates. Moreover, it is this water content of the fire opal that makes the opal very sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. They also scratch easily so it is not advisable to wipe the dust off the opal as this tends to reduce the polish of the stone. The solution for this is to clean the opal with warm soapy water and a soft cloth pat down.

 

[Travelngal]

Exactly what I wanted I know.

Thanks!

 

[gsellis]

And don't let anyone clean it with an ultrasonic cleaner. Ultrasonics works wonders on many things, but opals they can kill.