Synthetic opal Information

Two notable producers of synthetic opal are the companies Kyocera and Inamori of Japan. Most so-called synthetics, however, are more correctly termed imitations, as they contain substances not found in natural opal (e.g., plastic stabilizers). The Gilson opals often seen in vintage jewellery are actually an imitation consisting of laminated glass with bits of foil interspersed. The products of Kyocera Corp. that show play-of-color were investigated to determine if the materials are truly synthetic opal or rather opal simulants. The authors propose that, because these materials contain no water, they do not match the composition of natural opals and, thus, should be designated opal simulants. The gemological properties of the samples examined are also provided, including those by which the Inamori material can be separated from natural opal.