Facts about Opals
Given the texture of opals, they can be quite difficult to polish to a reasonable luster.
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Opals were relatively rare until the early 1800s, when several rich sources were discovered and the gem quickly grew in popularity.
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The imitation opals seen in vintage jewelry are often "Slocum Stone" consisting of laminated glass with bits of foil interspersed.
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Occurring in most varieties of rock, the vast majority of opals are mined in Australia, with other opal digs occurring in the United States, Mexico, Peru, and Brazil.
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