Ethiopian Opal Glossary

Bubbles*

Used to describe many tiny phantoms inside of an opal, resembling static bubbles


Column Fire

A pattern on opals where the flash appears in a row of columns


Confetti Flash

A specific flash pattern of medium sized bits of flash that resemble confetti on the surface of the opal.


Contra Luz 

Spanish phrase meaning “against light,” used to describe opals that change in color when light hits the back of the stone


Craze

When a specimen opal dehydrates, it can crack or craze. Crazing looks like a network of multiple crack lines, almost like a spiderweb


Dendrite

Crystalline structures resembling tree branches or a snowflake that can form as inclusions inside opals. Black is the most common, but colors depend on the mineral makeup of the dendrite.


Fire Opal

Any opal with a vibrant red, orange, or yellow base


Flash

An opal term used to describe the flashes of color an opal displays when light enters it. Also called “play of color” 


Honeycomb

A pattern on opals resembling a honeycomb


Hydrophane

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The property 


Inclusion

An inclusion is a broad term used to describe the different materials and minerals that can be found inside an opal. Example include dendrites, phantoms, roots, and even fossils 


Jewelry Grade Opal

Jewelry Grade Opal is older and more stable than Specimen Opals, so they should be kept dry. This is the opal you want to set into any wearable jewelry!


Matrix 

The host rock opals are found in. Usually brown or gray


Milky Opal

Used to describe opals with a semi-opaque white base


Nugget*

A rounded opal with a rough exterior and very little matrix


Parcel

A collection or bundle of multiple opals


Phantom 

A phantom is an older opal trapped inside another opal. 


Pinfire 

A type of flash that appears as tiny pinpoints of color


Plume 

A pattern on the surface of the opal that resembles a leaf or fern imprint


Potch 

Opal that lacks any flash. Also called Common Opal


Specimen Opals

Opals were born of water and silica and some need to stay in their natural element. Specimens are for all the collectors out there that love to display their Opals but don't need to wear them. These opals need to stay hydrated in water, dehydration can result in damage to these opals.


Stayish Opals

Stayish Opals were discovered in 2013 and are in-between jewelry and specimen grade opals. They are extremely rare and are the darkest black opals found in Ethiopia. Stayish opals need to be kept dry like jewelry grade but they're quite fragile, so cutting/polishing is generally not recommended.


Wello

The specific region Ethiopian opals are found in


*Denotes an opal term created by Opal Trove

Shipping Information

How much is shipping?

Shipping is $5 or free for orders over $100 in the USA, $15 or free for orders over $150 in Canada, and $36+ or free for orders over $400 with UPS for international orders.

How can I track my order?

Once your order is shipped, you will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number.

What is the estimated delivery time?

Orders ship out 5 to 7 business days after payment. The estimated delivery time depends on your location. 

Can I consolidate multiple orders to save on shipping costs?

Yes, we offer an open box system that allows you to consolidate multiple orders and save on shipping. If you make multiple purchases before your initial order is shipped, we can combine them into a single shipment. This way, you can continue buying pieces and accumulate them in an open box until you're ready for us to ship them out.

How does the open box system work?

When you make a purchase, you can request to keep your order in an open box. Subsequent purchases will be added to this box. Once you're ready to have your items shipped, simply contact our customer support, and we'll process the shipment for you.

How can I request to use the open box system?

During the checkout process, there will be an option to request an open box. You can also contact our customer support after making a purchase to request the inclusion of your order in the open box.

Is there a time limit for keeping items in the open box?

While there is no strict time limit, we recommend shipping out your items within 1-2 weeks. Please contact our customer support when you’d like us to ship out your orders or if you have any questions about the open box system.

Payment and Billing

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) as well as PayPal, AfterPay, and ShopPay.

Is it safe to use my credit card on your website?

Yes, your credit card information is securely processed through encrypted connections. We prioritize the security of your payment details.

Returns and Exchanges

What is your return policy?

If you aren't in love with your opal for any reason you can return or exchange your purchase within 7 days of receiving it. FREE return labels will be provided. Opals and jewelry must be returned undamaged and with branded packaging pouches.

How do I initiate a return or exchange?

Contact our customer support email or DM us on social media. 

Live Sales

Do you conduct live sales?

Yes, we regularly host live sales on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch to showcase our opals, answer questions in real-time, and offer exclusive deals to our audience. 

Can I make a purchase directly during the live sale?

Absolutely! During the live sale, our host will say the price of each piece and the first to comment with the price will get the claim. After or during the live, DM us your email. Invoices will be sent via email where purchases can be completed with a debit/credit card or one of our third-party payment plans (AfterPay, ShopPay, or PayPal). You have 24 hours to complete payment unless communicated for an extension.

Is there a schedule for live sales, and how can I find it?

We announce live sale schedules through our Instagram stories, which you can find pinned in our “Live Sale Info” Instagram story highlight.