Opals are considered one of the most beautiful and alluring of all gemstones. Their fascinating play-of-color phenomenon in which a rainbow of hues dances before your eyes is legendary.
There are many varieties found under the opal umbrella and one of the most interesting is the Chocolate Opal found only in Ethiopia and forged in the ashes of ancient volcanoes.
Chocolate Opal Colors
The finest specimens of Chocolate Opal can display all the colors of the rainbow which contrast dramatically against a creamy brown background.
Like other opals, the varied colors are formed by the internal structure of the gemstone which causes light to bounce around and split into the complete spectrum. The chocolate colored background is a mixture of solidified volcanic debris and clay.
The variety of opal colors is too vast to go into much detail but please read our article on Opals here for more information
Chocolate Opal Species
Chocolate Opals are members of the very varied Opal family which also includes such famous names as:
- Black Opals
- Fire Opals
- Boulder Opals
- Koroit Opals
- Hyalite Opals
And many, many more!
Chocolate Opal Price
Pricing any opal can be a very tricky business. Of course, it is the color display that determines the price but certain colors such as red and orange are rarer than blue and violet so they can fetch higher values.
Color coverage must also be considered. A gemstone with color spread across the whole surface will be more expensive that a stone with just the odd patch of color.
With Chocolate Opals, like Black Opals and Boulder Opals, a nice contrast between the color and the deep background is also appreciated.
Chocolate Opals can range in price from $20 to $200 per carat although any gemstone above ten carats of top quality can be considerably more expensive.
Chocolate Opal Treatments
Most Chocolate Opals are not treated in any way but as the contrast between the precious colored opal material and the chocolate brown background is an important factor in their valuation, there are some gemstones which have been 'smoked' to darken the base stone.
All treatments received by any of our gemstones are clearly disclosed.
Where are Chocolate Opal Opal found?
Chocolate Opals are only found in one small part of Ethiopia.
What jewelry is Chocolate Opal Opal suitable for?
Chocolate Opals have a rating of 5.5 to 6.5 on Mohs hardness scale. This makes them a little bit fragile for many types of jewelry items and not suitable for daily wear but pendants and earrings are no problem and a ring with a protective setting would make a very unique piece.
Birthstones and Anniversaries
Chocolate Opals are the birthstone of October and would make an ideal gift for anyone who has a birthday in that month.
A Chocolate Opal is the traditional gemstone gift for the 14th wedding anniversary.
