Difference between Aurora Opal & Natural Opal
One of the most interesting gemstones that is known for its play of color and beautiful iridescence is the opal. A variety of each type of this family has specific differences. The two that are most noted are the Aurora Opal and the Natural Opal. Both types of opals have breathtaking beauty but have great differences in how they form, how they appear, and what their value may be. Below the blog, you will be able to find the differences between the Aurora Opal and the Natural Opal, which can help in a better appreciation of this gemstone.
What is Natural Opal?
Natural opal gemstone is formed by the very slow precipitation of silica into cracks and fissures in rocks over millions of years. This precipitation ultimately leads to an extremely beautiful gemstone in a unique play-of-color by diffracting through the silica spheres within an opal, emitting a spectrum of colors when light enters. This stone is constantly compared to the beautiful Moonstone for its unique display of shades and characters.
Varieties of Natural Opal
- Precious Opal: Since the opal crystal exhibits the play of color, these are the very reasons why opals are weird. Other than the above forms, there exist bolder forms, and each type shows a different play of color.
- Common Opal: Since it does not possess the play-of-colour, common opal gemstone is usually opaque, generally occurring in colors like blue, pink, and green. The material is more used in decorative pieces than in fine jewelry.
- Fire Opal: This kind of opal crystal displays vibrancy, flaring colors, orange, red, or yellow, sometimes with play-of-color, and sometimes not.
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What is an Aurora Opal?
Known as synthetic opal gemstone or lab-created opal, the Aurora Opal is a manufactured gemstone designed to resemble and behave like natural opal. Its process in production is a mixture of silica with other materials in a lab for the creation of a synthetic gem that almost possesses the optical properties of natural opal.
Properties of Aurora Opal
- Uniformity: Compared to the natural opal crystal, the look of the Aurora Opal is much more uniform. This is because of the controlled manufacturing process that contributes toward a better, consistent color pattern with clarity.
- Accessibility: The cost of any commodity manufactured from the Aurora Opal gemstone is usually pretty cheap as compared to the natural opal. It also provides an attractive means for customers who want the beauty of the opal without its high cost.
- Durability: Aurora Opal crystal is pretty much harder and stronger as compared with the natural opal, will normally have far fewer inconsistencies in quality, and is less likely to crack or craze.
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Key Comparisons of Aurora Opal with Natural Opal
Origin
- Natural Opal: Formed millions of years ago as a natural phenomenon through geological processes. Aurora opal stone is, on the other hand, a natural product with specific and often quite unpredictable patterns and colors.
- Aurora Opal: Man-made in a laboratory, synthetic material. The process is controlled, and therefore this opal stone propensity is that it's going to be more predictable concerning the pattern and colors appearing.
Look
- Natural Opal: Because this natural opal stone are from nature, they can display any combination of color and pattern, but every stone is unique with changing play of color and overall appearance.
- Aurora Opal: It can look like natural opal stone but, generally, will have a much more uniform color and pattern. The play of color may be more uniform but could not have the depth or complexity of natural opal.
Value
- Natural Opal: Usually more expensive since it is scarce and requires very natural processes to make it. Value will depend on color, pattern, and clarity. Compared to other stones like Aquamarine and Moonstone, this gem’s value is fair.
- Aurora Opal: This Opal crystal is accessible because budget-conscious consumers can get it. Relatively less expensive for being manufactured in a controlled process and a rarity in nature that is not here.
Durability
- Natural Opal: Much more delicate and fragile. This Opal gemstone requires special care so that it won't crack or craze sometimes.
- Aurora Opal: This opal stone tends to be more scratch-resistant and resistant to damage than natural opal stone. Its hardness consistency makes it a fairly practical choice to use for everyday wear.
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Conclusion
Both Natural Opal and Aurora Opal possess distinct beauties but are suitable for varied tastes and needs. Natural Opal is priceless due to its rarity and natural formation, whereas Aurora Opal features affordability with consistencies. This will equip you to make the right choice and make the perfect decision about choosing the proper kind of opal suitable to aesthetic preferences and budget as well as practical considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I know if an opal is natural or synthetic?
Ans: Look for certificates of authenticity issued by a trustworthy seller or any gemological lab. Natural opals have natural flaws, whereas synthetic ones are typically uniform.
Q2. Can Aurora Opal be a replacement for Natural Opal?
Ans: Yes, if one wants to have an opal piece with affordability and consistency in quality, then Aurora Opal is an excellent substitute. It loses on the qualities of that real unique natural opal.
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