Why You Need to Invest in Ethiopian Opal Beads

How is opal formed?

The opal gemstone is formed by seasonal rains soaking the dry ground, such as in a desert area. The showers carry dissolved silica into the rock underneath. During dry periods, the water evaporates, leaving solid deposits of silica in the cracks, creating the beautiful patterns of color found in opal.

The discovery of Ethiopian Opal

Opal was first discovered in Ethiopia in the early 1990s, so it is still a relatively new find. This opal was reddish brown and came from volcanic rock.

Then, in 2008, a white precious opal was found in Wollo. Yet another opal was found in Wollo in 2013 – it was mostly black with some white and crystal.

Here are just some of the reasons why you need to invest in Ethiopian opal beads for your next project:

Beautiful and attractive designs

Ethiopian opal beads are incredibly eye-catching and certainly have the wow factor. Every opal is unique, due to its silica spheres, with various patterns and colors that catch the light in different ways. This highlights the beauty and individuality of each bead, enabling you to create inspiring and creative pieces.

There really is no limit to the bespoke designs you can create; it's the perfect excuse to be inspired and try something new.

Spectrum of vivid colors

It seems an endless spectrum of colors can be found in Ethiopian opal beads. The variety of colors found in Ethiopian opal beads includes reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues. Base colors include white, crystal, black, brown, and orange. It is also not uncommon to find a broad spectrum of colors in a single opal.

Plus, you will be amazed at how exceptionally vivid these colors are. Where the silica spheres are uniform, in precious opals, for example, you will see extraordinary displays of play-of-color.

Play-of-color occurs when light waves travel between these neatly stacked spheres within a precious opal. This process splits and bends the colors to create the unique sensation.

On the other hand, common opals have random spheres, and the gemstone is glossy with a waxy luster.

These gorgeous Golden Ethiopian Opal faceted rondelle beads have play-in-color in blue-green-red, along with violet hues. Their base color is a lovely deep golden hue with a translucent quality.

Another spectacular Ethiopian opal is the fire pattern. These black Ethiopian opal plain tear drop beads have a distinct red and green play-of-color on a dark black base to create a strong statement.

If you invest in Ethiopian opal beads, you will be mesmerized by the vivid colors and reflections of light; even the gemstones at the lower end of the Ethiopian opal bead spectrum have exceptional colors.

Varying sizes and shapes

Ethiopian opal beads are available in many different sizes and shapes, making them ideal for all kinds of projects and jewelry pieces. It’s also possible to find Ethiopian opal beads in larger sizes so that you can create a striking statement using just a single gemstone.

Easy to cut and style

Due to the nature of the Ethiopian opal rough, it is easy to cut, sculpture, and facet to meet a wide range of needs.

These white Ethiopian opal faceted round beads have a bright play-of-color in red-green-violet-periwinkle blue against a creamy white base. The faceted round beads add to the color effect and are ideal for a stylish jewelry piece.

Affordable prices

Ethiopian opal tends to be available at a lower price than from other sources, such as Australia or Brazil. This makes it more affordable to buy, especially in bulk, and a good reason for investing.

It’s new and exciting

As Ethiopian opal is still a relatively new discovery, people may be unaware of their source. This encourages intrigue around the Ethiopian opal beads, as well as interest in the product you create using them. Make the most of being able to share the beauty and fascination of these opal beads with other people.

Final thoughts