You should not apply oil or glycerin to an opal. In fact, applying oil or glycerin to your opal is strongly discouraged, as it will make the gemstone more difficult to clean over time and can diminish its natural beauty. Unlike some other gemstones, opals do not benefit from oiling; instead, proper hydration and careful handling are key to their longevity.
Why Oiling Opals is Not Recommended
Many people mistakenly believe that oiling an opal can help prevent it from drying out or cracking. However, this is a misconception. Opals contain a percentage of water, and their integrity depends on maintaining this internal moisture, not external coatings. Applying oil creates a greasy film that can attract dirt and grime, making the opal appear dull and cloudy. Furthermore, this film can be challenging to remove without potentially harming the delicate gemstone. Reputable gemologists and jewelry experts consistently advise against this practice.
Proper Opal Care and Maintenance
Instead of attempting to oil your opal, focus on practices that genuinely preserve its beauty and structural integrity. Opals are relatively soft and porous gemstones, requiring specific care to prevent damage.
Key Tips for Opal Care:
- Prevent Dehydration: The primary concern for opals is the evaporation of the water they contain, which can lead to cracking (often called "crazing").
- Store your opal wrapped in soft, moist cotton to help maintain its internal hydration. This prevents the water inside from evaporating, which could cause the opal to crack.
- Avoid storing opals in overly dry environments, such as safety deposit boxes for extended periods, without adequate moisture.
- Do not expose opals to sudden temperature changes or extreme heat, which can accelerate water loss.
- Protect from Scratches: Opals are softer than many other gemstones, ranking 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.
- Store your opal away from other gems and pieces of jewelry to avoid scratching its surface. Use individual pouches or compartments for protection.
- Remove opal jewelry before engaging in activities that might subject it to knocks or abrasions.
- Gentle Cleaning: When your opal needs cleaning, use the gentlest methods.
- Wipe it with a soft, damp cloth.
- For more thorough cleaning, use mild soap and lukewarm water, but avoid soaking for prolonged periods.
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, or harsh chemicals, as these can severely damage the opal.
- Avoid Chemicals: Keep opals away from household cleaning products, perfumes, hairsprays, and lotions, as these can dull the stone or react with its porous surface.
Understanding Opal Hydration
Opals are hydrous silicon dioxide, meaning they inherently contain water. This water content is crucial to their internal structure and the captivating play-of-color phenomenon. The goal of opal care is to protect this internal moisture, not to introduce external liquids like oil.
| Do's for Opal Care | Don'ts for Opal Care |
|---|---|
| Store in moist cotton | Do NOT apply oil or glycerin |
| Store separately | Do NOT use ultrasonic cleaners |
| Clean with soft, damp cloth | Do NOT expose to harsh chemicals |
| Avoid extreme temperatures | Do NOT store in dry environments |
| Remove before strenuous activity | Do NOT wear while using harsh cleaners |
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your opal remains beautiful and vibrant for many years to come without the need for any oils.
