Opal is one of the most rewarding stones to wear and one of the easiest to mistreat without meaning to. After 50 years at the bench I have repaired a lot of opals that simply met the wrong cleaning brush or the wrong drawer. The good news is that an opal looked after with a little common sense will hold its fire for the rest of your life. Here is how I tell my own customers to care for theirs.
New to opals? Start with my guide to understanding opal.
Why opal needs gentler handling than most stones
Opal is softer than a diamond or a sapphire. On the Mohs hardness scale it sits around 5.5 to 6.5, which is roughly the hardness of window glass. That means it can scratch against harder stones and chip on a sharp knock. Opal also holds a small amount of water inside its structure, so it does not like sudden swings in temperature or being left bone dry for years on end. Treat it as you would a fine watch rather than a tool, and it will be fine.
How to clean opal jewelry at home
The short version: warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft cloth or a soft brush. Wipe the stone gently, rinse with clean water, and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. That is all most opals ever need.
What to avoid matters more than what to use:
- No ultrasonic cleaners. The vibration can crack an opal or loosen it in its setting.
- No steamers. Sudden heat is one of the fastest ways to craze a stone.
- No harsh chemicals. Keep opal away from bleach, household cleaners, and jewelry “dip” solutions made for hard stones.
- No long soaks, especially for Ethiopian opal (more on that below).
A note on Ethiopian opal
Many of my opals are Ethiopian, and they behave a little differently from Australian opal. A lot of Ethiopian opal is hydrophane, which means it is porous and can actually absorb water. Drop a hydrophane opal in a glass of water and you may watch its color fade and go cloudy as it soaks. It almost always returns to normal once it dries out fully over a day or two, but it is unsettling the first time you see it.
The practical rule for Ethiopian opal is to keep it away from water and oils as much as you reasonably can. Take the ring off before washing dishes, swimming, or showering. Put your jewelry on last, after lotion, perfume, and hairspray. If it ever does cloud up, set it somewhere dry and dim and give it time rather than trying to speed it along with heat.
Caring for an opal you treasure? See the handcrafted opal rings in my collection, or talk to me about a custom piece.
How to store opal so it does not dry out or scratch
Store opal on its own, not loose in a box with rings and chains that can knock against it. A small pouch or a lined compartment is ideal. Because opal carries water, very dry conditions over long periods can be hard on it, so a safe deposit box or a heated safe that stays bone dry for years is not the best home for a piece you love. If a stone is going away for a long time, a tiny piece of damp cotton kept near it (not touching it) helps keep the air around it from getting too dry.
Everyday habits that protect an opal
- Take opal rings off for gardening, gym work, cleaning, and anything with impact.
- Put opal on last when you dress and take it off first when you undress.
- Keep it out of prolonged direct sun and away from radiators and hot car dashboards.
- Have the setting checked once a year so a loose claw is caught before a stone is lost.
When to bring an opal to a jeweler
If you see a fine network of cracks appear on the surface (this is called crazing), or the stone feels loose in its setting, stop wearing it and have it looked at. Crazing cannot be reversed, but a jeweler can advise on protecting what remains, and a loose stone is a quick fix that saves a heartbreak. I am always happy to look at a piece, whether I made it or not.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear my opal ring every day?
Yes, with care. An opal pendant or earrings take very little abuse and can be worn often. An opal ring sits on the most exposed finger you own, so it is best kept for occasions rather than heavy daily wear, and always taken off for rough work.
Can opal get wet?
A quick splash will not hurt a solid opal. The thing to avoid is prolonged soaking, especially with Ethiopian (hydrophane) opal, which can absorb water and temporarily lose its color until it dries out. Take opal off before swimming, showering, or washing up.
How do I clean an opal at home?
Use warm water, a drop of mild soap, and a soft cloth or soft brush. Rinse and pat dry. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner, a steamer, or harsh chemical dips.
Why has my opal gone cloudy?
If it is a hydrophane (often Ethiopian) opal, it has most likely absorbed water. Set it somewhere dry and out of direct heat and give it a day or two to return to normal. If cloudiness or fine cracks do not clear, bring it in to be checked.
Is Ethiopian opal good quality?
Yes. Ethiopian opal can show every bit as much fire and color as Australian opal, often at a friendlier price. It simply asks for slightly more careful handling because much of it is porous.
Have a question about a piece you own, or thinking about a custom opal commission? Get in touch, or browse the current collection.