Debunking Opal Myths: Can Opals Really Get Wet?

Myth: Opals need to be rubbed with glycerin or baby/olive oil in order to prevent them from cracking.

Fact: If you rub glycerin or oil on your opal, then you are just making them sticky and oily. Doing this certainly doesn’t keep the opal from cracking. Australian opals are non-porous, and they do not soak up any kind of liquid; hence, baby oil will not increase the lifespan of your opal.

Myth: Opals are unstable and are prone to cracking.

Fact: Most opals are extremely stable and never crack. On a Mohs scale, opal has a hardness level of 5.5-6.5, which makes it neither a tough stone nor a weak stone. Stable opals are known to have 3 to 10 percent water content, and any unstable material would crack anytime soon after just being mined. By the time the opal travels from the mines and is processed, cut, and polished, any unstable material is usually identified and weeded out.

Myth: Strong light can cause opal to dry out.

Fact: Instead of drying out your opal, exposing it to strong light can make your opal shine brighter. However, be cautious of very hot lights, as extreme heat can cause opals to expand and crack.

Myth: Water damages solid opals. Never clean your opal with water or get your opal wet. The wet opal will expand and crack.

Fact: Solid opals can never be damaged by getting wet. Most Australian precious opals contain 5-6% water, and immersing a solid opal in water will cause no damage. However, doublet and triplet opals (man-made) can be damaged by prolonged exposure to water. Water penetration can eventually cause the glue to deteriorate and the layers to separate, causing the opal to take on a foggy, grey, or cloudy appearance.

Myth: Rubbing oil or detergent on your opal will damage and discolor it.

Fact: Oils and detergents or other such household cleaning items won't cause much damage to your stone. However, it is advised to keep your opal away from any kind of harsh cleaning chemicals like bleach, chlorine, or oven cleaners. These products might be harmful to your opal and affect its appearance. Not only opals but you should also try and keep your doublets and triplets away from immersing in any such liquids, as it can dilute the glue and make your stone chip apart.

Myth: Opals are bad luck.

Fact: Opal was never bad luck. This misconception came with centuries of misinformation and superstition and wives tales. In the ancient days, diamond traders were jealous because of opal’s popularity and demand and hence started misreading information about opal bringing bad luck to the bearer. However, opal has also been considered good luck by many talismans and lucky charms throughout the ages in many civilizations.