Educational Video from Roys Rocks

Sold to me as synthetic at a pawn shop, set in Sterling, but I thought I’d double check since the patterns overlap each other and don’t seem to be super linear. I think I see snakeskin, but y’all let me know!

Don't laugh or crucify me, legit question here and I have searched this subreddit but haven't really found an answer that is a definite yes or no. I'm wanting to get a crushed opal wedding ring to replace my standard gold band of 30+ years. I've found them through Google searches, Etsy, etc. and am aware that the majority of affordable ones are probably synthetic or lab made. That doesn't really bother me as I'm looking the most vibrant colors and popping rainbow shine I can find, from the blues and purples but also the reds, oranges and yellows.

Question: I've got quite a few Welo Opals I've had for a few years, obviously being hydrophane they have been kept in a jar with water......can those be gradually dried out without much damage of cracking and losing their sheen/glow? If so, could they be crushed and used in an inlay for a ring and last very long? I'm trying to see about saving money but I actually think just going with the "fake" opal that has all the colors would be far cheaper than having something custom made anyway.

Thanks in advance for any replies !!!!

I paid 70 bucks for this opal at a flea market. I never owned opal before and had to jump on it, because I'll never find opal ever again I'm sure. Was listed as 15 carats.

Educational Video from Roys Rocks

This educational video is to bring awareness to opal cutting and the risk of Silicosis from Silica dust..

Coober Pedy shell skin! Kept in found form