Do Opals Fade? Understanding Opal Color Retention

Question
Dear Thomas,

I have heard that opals fade over time. Is that true?

Thanks --

Clara

Answer
Clara, lots of myths surround opals.  No, opals do not fade over time. The surface may become abraded and scratched and that will certainly lessen the colors seen.  Often, the stone can be polished again and look good as new.

The larger problem with opals is crazing. Crazing is a form of cracking inside the stone. Opals are made of tiny spheres of silica and between the spheres is a certain amount of water. If the opal contains too much water and over time the water is lost,  the stone will craze.   Most opals sold in the jewelry industry are kept for a while to be certain the stones are stable and do not craze.  For jewelry purchased with opal, the internal cracks are normally not a problem.

Heat changes of a sudden type can damage an opal.  For instance, being in a hot tub in the dead of winter with the ring on then going into the snow can possibly be too sudden a change in temperature and cause a crack.

Soaking in water or oil to restore or prevent fading in an opal is a myth.  

I do hope this helps.  Remember, a scuffed surface is the main reason for colors to diminish. Polishing can restore what is still there all along.

God Bless and Peace.  Thomas.  July 2, 2008    9:15pm