Understanding Peruvian Opals: History, Care & Potential Issues
Question
Peruvian Opals
I brought a bag full of Peruvian Opals and a necklace from a back country town in Peru famous for it's sulfar hot springs about 13 years ago. I was so far off the beaten path, I couldn't tell you where exactly I was if I had to. I stayed in a hostel and went because I heard about the hot springs. The necklace I have worn and the opals are gradually getting streaks of brown on them. The loose stones have stayed in the same bag that the man gave them to me in, a small wool pouch. They never see the light of day and yet some are gradually getting the brown streaking and others are as perfect as the day I bought them. They are all scored around the edges. The man selling them only had silver wire and would make necklaces and rings wrapping the scored edge. What makes some change and others not? They have not been treated.
Thanks for your help,
Kerri Cassar
AnswerHi Kerri ,
Sorry to hear about that . Peruvian Opal oh well , I cant say I am fond of this material , all Ive ever heard is weird things going on with it . Its shows no display of colour or pattern but I can understand it is interesting to work with. If its opal then its basically a glass, that does not discolour or streak , It might be some sort of dentritic opal and have some other crystals embedded it it You will then surely know why they are streaking .Maybe some chemical reaction like oxididation is occurring ( you mentioned sulphur ) this opal is not normal opal like Australian opal... Please check with your magnifying glass first . Maybe take it to a University and have it looked at under high mag.
best I can do for you for the time being with best regards 'Rod Keady
