| Opal Identification and Value
revised, expanded, and updated by Paul B. Downing
Majestic Press, Estes
Park, CO, 2002, 212 pages, $49.95.
Reviewed by June Culp Zeitner
Opal may be the best known and best loved gemstone outside of the legendary
Big Four. Highly valued by jewelers, lapidaries, and collectors, opals are the
subject of superstitions, myths, misunderstandings, and legends. For nearly 20
years Paul Downing has been one to tell us the whole truth about opals, their
origins, locations, how to choose them, how to cut them, and how to assess their
value.
One could learn a lot about opal by just studying the dazzling pictures. The
photos are by some of the most talented gem photographers, including the noted
Australian, Len Cram.
The section on opal jewelry, including antique and modern designer jewelry,
is of particular interest to those who buy opal jewelry as well as those who cut
cabochons or create mountings. Effective new opal jewelry styles now use carved
opal, inlaid opal, intarsia, and opals with baroque pearls, or faceted stone of
compatible colors.
Opal collectors are legion. Downing points out that while some only collect
jewelry, others collect only fine opal rough, polished opals, or black opal. Some
look for opals from a specific location. Some specialize in certain rare and gorgeous
patterns. A few find opalized fossils irresistible. Especially desirable are the
pseudomorphs called opal “pineapples,” which are also quite pricey.
Contemporary lapidaries are finding opal carvings challenging and rewarding.
While Australian opal is still the market leader, good opal is now found in
Idaho, British Columbia, Oregon, Nevada, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, and Brazil.
In addition, there is synthetic opal and imitation opal. The most successful synthetic
is made by the the Gilson Company. Downing says their product has recently been
improved. Slocum Stone remains most popular of several imitations. Downing tells
how to spot these look-alikes, as well as dyed real opal.
This book is recommended for anyone interested in opal in any way. Downing
knows his subject well, from prospecting and mining to cutting every kind of opal.
But beyond that, he knows how to write about it so that it is interesting, accurate,
and understandable.
June Culp Zeitner, who has been writing for the Lapidary Journal since 1956
and joined the editorial staff in 1967, is the author of nine gem and mineral
books, and helped start the National Rockhound and Lapidary Hall of Fame.
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