Ethiopian Welo Opal: Beautiful and natural

Ethiopian Welo opal is a highly prized variety of opal known for its stunning play-of-color and exceptional transparency. Discovered in the Wollo Province (Welo), Ethiopia around 2008, this opal variety quickly gained popularity in the gemstone market.

Key Features of Ethiopian Welo Opal:
1. Play-of-Color:
• Known for its vibrant, multi-colored flashes of light.
• Displays a wide spectrum of colors, including red, green, blue, and orange.
2. Body Tone:
• Typically found in white, yellow, orange, or even clear (crystal opal) varieties.
3. Transparency:
• Often more transparent than Australian opals.
• Crystal-clear varieties are highly valued.
4. Hydrophane Nature:
• Welo opals are hydrophane, meaning they can absorb water.
• When wet, they may become transparent, and their play-of-color might temporarily fade until fully dried.
5. Durability:
• While opals are generally delicate, Welo opals are relatively more stable and less prone to cracking compared to some other opal