Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / new- 2.52 g - (1)

Ring Ethiopian Opal / polished / new

Set in 925 sterling silver

Weight: 2.52 g

11.8 mm x 9.1 mm

New and unworn

Ring size:

U 57
UK P 1/2
US 8.0
Fr 17
Inner diameter: 18.1 mm

Opals from Australia have been known for a long time. In recent years, however, a new variety from Ethiopia has begun to steal a little of the spotlight: the Welo Opal! This stone is translucent and impresses with its characteristic, unique light reflections. It was discovered in the Semien Wollo mountain region in northeastern Ethiopia. The exact time of discovery is not known. Some sources date the introduction of the Welo Opal to the Nairobi market in 1993. The discoverer is regarded as chemist Tilahun Yohannes, and as early as 1994 geologist Dr. N. Barot reports in an article in the ICA Gazette about this gemstone novelty. Mining began slowly; in 1997 only 10 kilos were mined. The lapidary Eyaopal from Addis Ababa cut from it 400 grams. In the same year the Welo Opal was presented at the international mineral fair in Sainte-Marie, and a year later Eyaopal showed 350 cut opals at the Tucson trade show. Commercial mining began in 2008. A new star among opals was born.

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