Opal care, practical

Opal is softer than sapphire or diamond — around 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, depending on the material. It scratches from hard contact. Rings take the most abuse because the hand hits things constantly. A pendant or earring in the same stone will last for decades with minimal care; the same stone set in a ring will show surface scratches inside a year of daily wear. This isn't a flaw in opal — it's just the physics of a softer gem in a ring setting.

What actually damages opal in practice: hard impacts (chips the dome or girdle edge), ultrasonic cleaners (vibration can crack a stone with inclusions or internal stress), steam cleaning (thermal shock), and harsh chemicals. Soap and water is fine. The hydrophane Ethiopian material absorbs liquids — keep it away from oils, perfumes, and lotions, which can temporarily cloud the color. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth if it gets wet.

Storage

Loose opal and opal jewelry should be stored separately from harder stones. A diamond or sapphire stored in the same pouch as an opal will scratch it over time just from contact. A fabric-lined box or individual pouches solves this. Virgin Valley material that hasn't been stabilized should stay in sealed containers with moisture — distilled water or a damp cloth — to prevent crazing. Stabilized opal and Ethiopian material don't need that, but keeping them away from heat sources and prolonged dry conditions is good practice.