Ora

Where is Chocolate Opal from?

Published in Opal Origin 3 mins read

Chocolate opal primarily originates from Ethiopia, particularly from deposits discovered in the Mezezo area and later near Wegel Tena in the Wollo province.

Chocolate opal, celebrated for its unique play-of-color set against a rich brown body tone, is predominantly sourced from Ethiopia. This East African nation has become a significant player in the global opal market, with its distinctive opals captivating gem enthusiasts worldwide.

The Ethiopian Origin Story of Chocolate Opal

The emergence of chocolate opal into the spotlight began in the early 2000s, establishing Ethiopia as a premier source for this captivating gemstone.

  • Mezezo Discovery (Around 2000): Opals from the Mezezo region of Ethiopia first gained prominence around the year 2000. These deposits were well-known for producing stunning play-of-color opals, often exhibiting a distinctive chocolate brown body color. These early finds played a crucial role in establishing Ethiopia's reputation as a new and exciting source for precious opal.
  • Wollo Province Discoveries (2008 Onwards): A more recent and highly significant discovery of opal deposits occurred in 2008. These new finds were located near Wegel Tena, specifically in the cliffs at Tsehay Mewcha within the Wollo province of Ethiopia. The opals from Wollo are particularly celebrated for their vibrant play-of-color and have further solidified Ethiopia's position as a leading global opal supplier.

The unique geological conditions in these Ethiopian regions have led to the formation of opals with remarkable characteristics, including the highly sought-after chocolate varieties.

Characteristics of Ethiopian Chocolate Opal

Ethiopian opals, especially the chocolate variety, possess several distinguishing features that make them unique:

  • Body Color: The defining characteristic is their deep, rich chocolate brown to reddish-brown body color, which serves as a striking canvas for the play-of-color.
  • Play-of-Color: Despite their dark body tone, these opals display a vivid play-of-color, showing flashes of red, orange, green, blue, and purple that dance across the surface. This mesmerizing phenomenon is caused by the diffraction of light within the opal's microscopic silica spheres.
  • Hydrophane Nature: Many Ethiopian opals, including some chocolate opals, are hydrophane. This means they can absorb water, which may temporarily alter their transparency or intensify their play-of-color until they dry out.

Table: Key Ethiopian Opal Mining Locations

Location Approximate Discovery Year Noted For Region/Province
Mezezo 2000 Renowned for play-of-color chocolate opals Ethiopia
Wegel Tena 2008 Significant deposits of high-quality play-of-color opals, including chocolate, found in the cliffs at Tsehay Mewcha Wollo, Ethiopia

The Appeal and Market Impact

The emergence of Ethiopian chocolate opal has diversified the global opal market, offering an exciting alternative to traditional sources like Australia and Mexico. Its distinctive aesthetic appeals to designers and collectors looking for unique and exotic gemstones. The robust play-of-color against a warm, earthy backdrop makes chocolate opal particularly versatile for various jewelry designs, from elegant pendants to captivating rings.

Caring for Your Chocolate Opal

Given that many Ethiopian opals are hydrophane, proper care is essential to maintain their beauty and integrity:

  • Avoid Prolonged Water Exposure: While they can absorb water, it's best to avoid prolonged soaking or sudden temperature changes, which could potentially affect their stability and lead to cracking.
  • Gentle Cleaning: Clean chocolate opals with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, detergents, or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the stone.
  • Protection: Store chocolate opals away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, and very dry environments, as these conditions can cause dehydration and potential cracking. It's also wise to keep them separated from harder gemstones to prevent scratches.

By understanding its origins and unique properties, chocolate opal from Ethiopia continues to fascinate and inspire within the world of gemstones.