Opals are a beautiful and unique gemstone that come in a variety of colours and patterns. I absolutely adore Opals and can never get enough of them; they are always such a popular choice when it comes to vintage jewellery. Opals can be found naturally in the earth or created in a laboratory. The main difference between natural and lab-created opals is how they are formed and their overall appearance.
Natural opals are formed over millions of years by water and silica seeping into rock crevices. The silica gradually hardens, forming the opal. Natural opals come in a range of colours, from white to black, and can have a variety of patterns and designs. They are considered to be rare and valuable gemstones.
Lab-created opals, on the other hand, are made by replicating the natural process in a laboratory. They are created by mixing silica with a liquid and then solidifying it under controlled conditions. Lab-created opals have the same chemical composition as natural opals, but they are not as rare. They are also less expensive than natural opals.
In terms of appearance, natural opals tend to have a more unique and natural pattern and design, while lab-created opals tend to have a more uniform and consistent pattern. Natural opals also tend to have more colour variations and inclusions than lab-created opals.
In conclusion, natural opals and lab-created opals are similar in terms of chemical composition, but they are different in terms of formation and appearance. Natural opals are formed over millions of years and are considered rare and valuable, while lab-created opals are made in a laboratory and are less expensive. Both types of opals are beautiful and can be used in jewellery, but natural opals tend to be more unique and valuable. If you love Opals as much as we do at Milly's Marvels then click here to view our fabulous selection of Opal Rings