Opal is one of the most beautiful of gemstones. These stones can flash every color of the spectrum with a brilliance that can even surpass that of diamond. Precious opal ranges from clear through white, gray, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, magenta, rose, pink, slate, olive, brown, and black. Of these hues, the reds against black are the most rare, whereas white and greens are the most common. Some rare specimens produce brilliant color flashes when turned in the light. For instance, a new Opal was discovered in the Welo district of Ethiopia recently, that took the gem world by storm. Found in the Welo Amhara Regional State Highland plateau 2.500 – 3.200 meters above sea level, this new gemstone looks like a miniature underwater scene from the ocean when held against the light. Opals such as the Welo Opal can can command prices per carat that rival the most expensive diamonds, rubies and emeralds.

The Welo Opal