Aussie Lapidary Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: BigAlBundy on October 08, 2018, 09:35:00 AM

Title: why is the Opal stored in water
Post by: BigAlBundy on October 08, 2018, 09:35:00 AM

Hi, probably a dumb question, but why is the uncut opal kept in water.??

Title: Re: why is the Opal stored in water
Post by: Gemster on October 08, 2018, 12:01:14 PM

Stops it from cracking if stored in Water....

  Gemster..... beers

Title: Re: why is the Opal stored in water
Post by: harryopal on October 08, 2018, 12:19:21 PM

You may find this link interesting.
http://www.gem.org.au/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Opal%2010_1.pdf

Opal generally has a high moisture content. Some fire opal especially the Ethiopian fire opal is hydrophanic meaning it will absorb moisture and will appear as having lost its colour. However left to dry the colour will return.