CLEANING & STORING
- If you have a Solid Opal, clean occasionally with fresh water and facial soap.
- Use a soft dry cloth to clean Opals.
- Do not wash dishes, clothes or other items with it on. The harsh detergents in dish or laundry soaps can "dry" out the stone. Opals are composed 3%–20% of water, so they should not be allowed to freeze or dry out.
- Do not wear opals in any type of hot tub, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, bath tub or shower. Exposure to prolong submersion in any water with or without detergents or chemicals will destroy opals.
- Do not clean your opal jewellery with ultrasonic device.
- Do not garden with it on. Continuous contact with the soil can abrade the surface of your stone.
- Do not store your Opal in a plastic bag.
Please note all Doublets and Triplets (non-solid, partially man-made layered stones) Opals should not be soaked in water for any reason. Water penetration can cause the glue to deteriorate and the layers to separate, causing the opal to take on a foggy, grey, or cloudy appearance.
ABOUT "HARDNESS"
Many people think Opal is too soft and it's easy to be scratched or breakable.
But you have to remember that even diamonds can be scratched or break. Opal is not strong against scratches but are more stronger against pressure than emeralds.
Please treat your opal as you would any other piece of valuable jewellery.
| Gemstones |
|
Mohs Scale |
| Diamond |
|
10 |
| Ruby |
|
9 |
| Sapphire |
|
9 |
| Topaz |
|
8 |
| Emerald |
|
7.5 - 8 |
| Aquamarine |
|
7.5 - 8 |
| Tourmaline |
|
7 - 7.5 |
| Quartz |
|
7 |
| Amethyst |
|
7 |
| Citrine |
|
7 |
| Garnet |
|
6.5 - 7.5 |
| Peridot |
|
6.5 - 7 |
| Onyx |
|
6.5 - 7 |
| Tanzanite |
|
6.5 - 7 |
| Opal |
|
5.5 - 6.5 |
| Turquoise |
|
5 - 6 |
| Coral |
|
3 - 4 |
| Pearl |
|
2.5 - 4.5 |
| Amber |
|
2 - 2.5 |
