Buying Welo opals – origin, special features and tips

Welo opals are a relatively new discovery in the world of gemstones, but have quickly established themselves as a firm fixture. These opals from Ethiopia fascinate with their intense play of color and transparency . Whether gemstone collectors, jewelry lovers, spiritually inclined individuals, or beginners, the Welo opal appeals to everyone. 

In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about the origin , quality characteristics , differences from other opals , buying tips , care , price factors , and how to identify genuine opals . This will ensure you're well-informed if you want to buy Welo opals . 

Origin of Welo opals from Ethiopia

Welo opals come from the highland region of Wollo in northern Ethiopia. The first finds of precious opals in Ethiopia date back to the 1990s (Shewa region). However, these early stones often showed crazing and a brownish color, which made them less sought after commercially . The breakthrough only came in 2008 with the discovery of a large opal deposit near the town of Wegel Tena in Wollo. These new opals – now known as Welo opals – have a light, almost colorless base material and a vibrant play of colors, comparable to high-quality Australian opals . In the first few years alone, around 1.5 tons of raw material were mined . This quickly established Ethiopia as a major source of opal on the global market.

By comparison: Australia was long considered the almost sole source of precious opals and, until the Welo discovery, supplied around 90–95% of the world's opals . Australian opals such as the black opal from Lightning Ridge or the white milk opal from Coober Pedy still enjoy prestigious status today. However , Welo opals have broken this dominance. They have been enriching the market with new variety for a good 15 years. Collectors are excited by the fact that Welo opals are of volcanic origin , whereas Australian opals mostly formed in sedimentary rock – which is reflected in their properties (see below). In short: Ethiopian Welo opals are a relatively new treasure from Africa that is revolutionizing the opal world and bringing a breath of fresh air.

Special properties and quality features

Play of color: Welo opals are famous for their dazzling color play. They often display a spectacular spectrum of colors, from blue and green to yellow and orange and even red. Red flashes are rare in opals and significantly increase their value. Many Welo opals impress with vibrant neon colors and even patterned effects, making them unique. Another characteristic is that the opal's fire changes depending on the light—good Welo opals display an intense glow in direct light as well as against the light (contra-luz) .

Transparency and appearance: In contrast to some milky-white opals, Welo opals are often transparent to translucent (“crystal opal”). This clear to honey-colored base color greatly enhances the visual play of colors. Many stones appear almost crystal-clear with iridescent colors within them – an effect that opens up new possibilities for jewelry designers. Thanks to their transparency, Welo opals can even be cut into facets, which is otherwise rare for opals. The shimmering play of light in all the colors of the rainbow against a light or colorless background is a hallmark of this variety. Yellow, orange, red, and green tones often dominate. Some Welo opals also display unique patterns such as the famous honeycomb pattern or snakeskin look , which are rarely found in other opal deposits . Such pronounced geometric color structures are considered rare and command correspondingly high prices.

Quality characteristics: The quality of a Welo opal is essentially measured by the intensity and pattern of the play of colors , the clarity of the stone and its freedom from cracks or inclusions . A first-class Welo opal displays vibrant colors across its entire surface from every angle. Multicolor opals with all spectral colors and rare patterns (e.g. harlequin pattern) are very sought after. Transparency (crystal grade) also plays a role: a clear opal with iridescent color is often considered to be of higher quality than a cloudy one. In general, the more brilliant and varied the play of colors , the more valuable the opal. Another factor is the cut quality - but more on that later when we look at price factors.

Differences to other types of opal

What distinguishes a Welo opal from its opal relatives from other countries? Here are the key points:

• Body color: Welo opals usually have a light to colorless body tone , ranging from milky white to yellowish to clear. Australian black opals, on the other hand, have a dark (black or gray) base tone, against which the colors shine with particular contrast. White opals from Australia (e.g. Coober Pedy) also display color play, but more subtly on a light background. Welo opals are more similar to Australian crystal opals , but are more often clear and often display a "neon-like" fire. A dark base tone is rare in natural Welo opals - this is why almost black Ethiopian opals usually require some kind of treatment (see below).
• Appearance and pattern: Australian precious opals (especially Lightning Ridge) are known for their deep blue to violet base tones in black opals and often red flashes, while Coober Pedy opals are more likely to have a green-blue play of colors on a white background . Welo opals offer a wide range of patterns, including those unique honeycomb or mosaic patterns that are very rare in Australian material. High-quality Welo opals can display almost any color combination - some even surpass comparable opals from other countries in terms of luminosity . However, there are also fire opals in Ethiopia without play of colors (red, orange to yellow opals), similar to Mexican fire opals . The term Welo opal, however, usually refers to the precious opals with play of colors from Wollo.
• Jewelry processing: Opals from both countries are often cut as cabochons to emphasize the flat play of color. Due to their transparency, Welo opals are also available in faceted cuts, which is unusual for Australian precious opals (which are usually opaque and would lose their brilliance if faceted). Australian opals (especially thin boulder opal layers) are often processed as doublets or triplets to make them more stable and emphasize them. Welo opals are usually sold as solid opals , as they often exist as bulbous rough stones from which sufficiently thick stones can be cut.
• Market value: High-quality Australian opals – especially black ones – traditionally fetch the highest prices, sometimes many thousands of euros per carat, as supply is limited and demand is high. Ethiopian opals are (even) more affordable , considering their color palette . However, the value of Welo opals is rising with increasing popularity: As some Australian mines are becoming exhausted, Welo material is establishing itself as an attractive alternative . Experts are already observing rising prices for top specimens from Ethiopia. For buyers, this means: Currently, you can get spectacular opals from Ethiopia for relatively little money, and these opals could increase in value in the future – an aspect that will appeal to both beginners and investors .

What to look for when buying

When purchasing a Welo opal —whether online or in a specialist retailer—it's worth taking a closer look. This checklist will help you make an informed decision:

• Moisture sensitivity: Because Welo opals are hydrophanous, they should ideally be sold and delivered dry . Ask the dealer how the opal was stored. A soaked opal may appear transparent and colorless until dry. Important: Do not deliberately immerse a Welo opal in water! Water absorption can cause it to develop cracks or cloudiness. When purchasing opals online , ensure that it is shipped in a weather-protected location (e.g., not exposed to extreme climates). If the stone is damp upon receipt, allow it to dry slowly at room temperature and avoid rapid heating or direct sunlight to prevent stress cracking.
• Recognizing treatments: Ethiopian opals are occasionally artificially treated to enhance or change their color. So-called black Welo opals, in particular, are often the result of smoke treatment or saccharic acid treatment . This process darkens a light-colored opal by soot or chemically incorporating carbon. 
• Authenticity (full opal vs. imitation): Unfortunately, the market also offers imitation opals . Particularly common are doublets and triplets – thin, genuine opal flakes combined with foreign materials. A doublet consists of a layer of opal on a dark background (e.g., basalt or plastic); a triplet has a clear, protective layer (quartz glass or resin) on top . Such composite stones look pretty from above, but are less valuable and are not "cast in one piece." Tip: Look at the opal from the side – with doublets/triplets, you can usually see layered lines or an abrupt transition between the opal layer and the base. A genuine full opal has no such layers. If in doubt, use a magnifying glass. Especially when buying opal jewelry , ask whether it is a full opal. 
• Synthetic opals: In addition to natural and treated stones, there are also laboratory opals (e.g. Gilson opals ). These have the same chemical composition but are artificially produced. For laypeople, they are difficult to distinguish visually, but there are some clues: Synthetic opals often have an overly regular pattern - the color veins can be unusually straight and even . In natural opals, the play of colors is always somewhat irregular and "organically" distributed. Furthermore, synthetic opals often lack the tiny imperfections (e.g. small spots or inclusions) that a real opal develops over millions of years. If an opal looks perfectly flawless and has an unrealistically homogeneous color pattern, it could be synthetic . Reputable dealers are happy to answer questions about authenticity and have nothing to hide.

Care instructions for Welo opals

Opals may be precious stones, but they require some care to retain their beauty for a long time. Welo opals require special care due to their water content. Please note the following tips:

• Avoid contact with water: African Welo opals should not get wet . Always remove opal jewelry before showering, bathing, or swimming , as water can affect the color. Therefore, never clean an opal in an ultrasonic bath or immerse it in cleaning fluids. If your Welo opal does get wet, dry it slowly in the air at room temperature. Avoid hair dryers, heaters, or sunlight to prevent stress cracking.
• Cleaning: It is best to clean opals gently by hand . A soft, lint-free cloth (slightly damp) is usually sufficient to remove fingerprints or dust. If the stone is very dirty, you can use lukewarm water with a mild soap and briefly rinse the stone. Caution: Do not let Welo opals soak for long! Instead of a bath, gently rinse under running water and then carefully dry the stone by dabbing it dry with a microfiber cloth. Avoid scouring or aggressive cleaning agents. Chemicals such as cleaning products, perfume or hairspray can attack the surface - so always put on opal jewelry after applying makeup/styling it .
• Storage: Store opals separately from other jewelry, ideally in a soft pouch or padded jewelry box. Why? Opals have a hardness of only ~5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale and can be scratched by harder gemstones like quartz, corundum (sapphire/ruby), or diamond. Also, avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight during storage. Normally, the natural humidity in the room is sufficient to prevent opals from drying out. Many dealers even recommend occasionally placing Australian opals in water in very dry air – not so with Welo opals! Due to their hydrophanic properties, they would absorb water. Instead, a not-too-dry environment (e.g., don't place them on a radiator) ensures sufficient humidity. A trick: Store opal jewelry separately in a box in which a small piece of damp cloth (at a safe distance) slightly humidifies the air – this keeps the stone balanced. Check your opal every few months for cracks or changes so you can react early.
• Wearing opal jewelry: Opals are perfect for pendants, earrings, or brooches, where they are less exposed to impact. You should be a little careful with rings: Avoid wearing your opal ring during rough activities (sports, gardening, washing dishes). Lifting heavy objects could cause an opal in a ring setting to chip or break. A protective setting (e.g., a setting that encloses the stone) is recommended. Consciously wearing the jewelry and occasionally letting it rest will benefit the opal. Then, its play of colors will bring you joy for a lifetime.

Overview: Price factors for Welo opals

As with all gemstones, the price of Welo opals depends on various quality factors. Here's an overview of the most important price factors:

• Carat weight: Opals are weighed in carats (ct) . Larger stones are rarer and command disproportionately higher prices per carat. A 5-carat opal is not just five, but often ten times more expensive than a 1-carat opal of comparable quality. Large, crack-free Welo opals over 10 ct are rare and accordingly sought after. Of course, weight should always be considered relative to size—a well-proportioned 3-ct cabochon can be more attractive (and more expensive) than a flat, misshapen 5-ct opal.
• Play of color and pattern: The opal's fire is the most important factor in determining value. The more intense and varied the play of color, the higher the value. Multicolored opals with strong red, orange, green, and blue, which shine from all angles, are particularly sought after. Red and violet flashes of color are considered rare and significantly increase the price. The pattern also plays a role: A homogeneous, colorfully iridescent opal is valued more highly than one that only displays color at a small angle. Rare patterns —such as harlequin (mosaic-like rectangular areas of color) or honeycomb (honeycomb pattern)—attain top prices. For example, a Welo opal with a pronounced honeycomb pattern can fetch many times more than a comparable "normally patterned" opal among collectors. In contrast, a very one-sided or weak play of color significantly reduces the value.
• Clarity and condition: Opals don't have a traditional transparency rating like diamonds, but clarity here means free of cracks or fine crazing and free of unsightly inclusions. Welo opals can contain host rock fragments or dark particles (so-called "pepper" or dendrites) – as long as these don't affect the play of color, they are tolerable. However, any visible cracks or milky spots will lower the price. When buying, look for an intact stone without hairline cracks . Reputable dealers will inform you if the opal has hairline cracks and will adjust the price accordingly. Top quality means no cracks, no milky zones – just clear, colorful fire throughout the stone.
• Cut and shape: Another factor is the workmanship . Most Welo opals are cut as cabochons (round, polished dome shape), which brings out the color optimally. A good opal cabochon is symmetrical, has a pleasing shape and, above all, a sufficiently thick opal layer . If the stone is cut too thin, it appears less brilliant and can be more prone to breakage. An evenly domed, smooth dome without dents is ideal. Proportions also play a role: for ovals, for example, a length-to-width ratio of approximately 1.2:1 is considered harmonious. The quality of the cut is also reflected in the polish – a high-quality polished opal has a mirror-like shine and allows the color play to be clearly seen. Slight dullness or scratches reduce the value. In some cases, Welo opals are also faceted (usually with very transparent specimens). These can sparkle in an interesting way, but heavy faceting often reduces the color play. Overall, the cut should be such that as much of the raw stone as possible is preserved and the colors "play out" as best as possible. An experienced opal cutter works precisely to achieve this.
• Origin and rarity: Although value primarily depends on quality, origin plays an indirect role. Australian opals command a prestige premium due to their long tradition – many buyers are willing to pay more for a Lightning Ridge opal than for an equivalent Ethiopian opal . This also means, however, that Welo opals (still) offer excellent value for money . You often get more color for your money. If Ethiopian production declines in the future, or the material becomes rarer, prices could rise sharply. Some exceptional pieces (e.g. a large 20 ct Welo opal with a harlequin pattern) are already unique and fetch amazing prices at auctions. The average buyer, however, will be pleased to know that beautiful Welo opals are currently comparatively affordable – ideal for beginners who want to own a real precious opal without spending a fortune .

How to identify genuine Welo opals: natural, treated or synthetic?

Finally, here is a brief summary of how to identify real opals and distinguish them from treated or artificial ones:

• Natural Welo opal: Recognizable by its vibrant, yet irregularly distributed coloration. The body color is usually light (white, clear, yellowish) with colorful flashes. No suspiciously uniform patterns, no layer lines. If in doubt, a gemologist can confirm through spectral analysis or UV light testing that the stone is free of synthetic resin or similar. A natural opal may have small imperfections—this is what makes it unique.
• Treated opal: Typical indicators are unusual body colors (e.g., jet black in Ethiopian material) and noticeably lower prices. Ask for descriptions like "smoke treated" or "bleached." Under direct light, a smoked Welo opal often reveals a reddish-brown core . A Welo that appears too dark could also have been dyed. 
• Synthetic opal: Man-made opals (e.g., Gilson) often exhibit linear or repeating color patterns that don't occur naturally. Sometimes the colors appear too perfectly distributed . A trained eye can also recognize the columnar structure of some synthetic opals under a microscope. If you see an opal with a strikingly colorful pattern that looks almost like a work of art, it could be synthetic. The only thing that helps is to ask the dealer specifically. Artificial opals aren't inherently "bad," but they should be properly assessed in terms of price and quality.
• Doublets/triplets: These imitations can be identified – as mentioned – by their layering . A side view or a view from the back usually shows the foreign substrate (dark base layer) and, if applicable, the transparent top layer. Furthermore, doublets are often significantly darker than solid opals because they are bonded to a black substrate. A simple test: A drop of water on the back of a doublet can reveal the bond line. However, caution is advised – this test can damage the stone, so only use it in an emergency and on unmounted stones. If in doubt, consult a specialist.

Conclusion: Trust your eye when buying – and trust reputable dealers . Pay attention to terms like "natural" in the description. Compare offers: If something is much cheaper than usual, it's worth asking why. With the knowledge gained from this guide, you'll be well-equipped to distinguish genuine from fake opals and fully enjoy the beauty of Welo opals.

Conclusion: Welo opals – fascinating treasures from Ethiopia

Welo opals have quickly evolved from newcomers to coveted gemstones. Their combination of breathtaking color , relative affordability , and exotic origins makes them unique. Collectors appreciate the new patterns and colors, jewelry buyers love the luminous opal pieces as eye-catchers, and some spiritually inclined people attribute an inspirational effect to the Welo opal—for example, as a stone of creativity and intuition. Despite its recent fame, the Welo opal harks back to the ancient fascination that opals have always exerted. Anyone who looks at such an opal quickly understands why it is also called the "stone of joy."

If you'd like to buy a Welo opal for yourself, you have a wide selection to choose from: From loose opal stones for collectors to elegant opal jewelry , the selection is vast. It's important to pay attention to quality and authenticity – but you're now an expert in that. In Alreon 's product range, for example, you'll find a selection of genuine Welo opals of the highest quality, carefully selected – so you can enjoy the full splendor of these Ethiopian opals without worry.

Sources

• alreon.de Alreon (Blog): “Welo vs. Australian Opal – what are the differences?” – Background on the origin of Ethiopia vs. Australia, discovery of Welo opals (May 16, 2025).
• welt-der-edelsteine.juwelo.de welt-der-edelsteine.juwelo.de Juwelo (Blog): “Welo Opal – the new treasure from Ethiopia” – Properties of Welo Opal (transparency, color, hardness, hydrophane, stability).
• hde.ch hde.ch HDE (technical article): “Ethiopia Opal – Welo Opal” – Description of the colors, transparency and spiritual significance of the Welo Opal.
• opalauctions.com Opal Auctions (Info): “Information on Hydrophane Opal” – Unique patterns (honeycomb, fish scales) in Ethiopian opals and their value.
• opalauctions.com Opal Auctions (Lexicon): “What is Ethiopian Opal?” – Hydrophane property (water absorption, appearance and stability in moisture).
• faerelli.com Faerelli (Guide): “How to care for your opal properly” – Note: Do not soak Welo opals in water (risk of cracking and clouding).
• juwelo.de juwelo.de Juwelo (Gemstone Encyclopedia): “Opal – Effect, Care and Color” – Buying Tips (play of color as a value criterion, red flashes rare; authenticity and certificate, many duplicates/triplets in circulation).
• juwelo.de juwelo.de Juwelo (Gemstone Encyclopedia): Care instructions – Do not wear opal while bathing or showering; Welo opal does not tolerate moisture, Australian opal does.
• opal-schmiede.com Opal-Schmiede (Blog): “Recognizing Opal Imitations” – Recognizing doublets/triplets (layered structure, layers visible from the side).
• opal-schmiede.com Opal-Schmiede (Blog): – Identification of synthetic opals (straight, uniform color veins as a characteristic of cultured opals).
• opalauctions.com opalauctions.com Opal Auctions (article): “Treated Black Opal – Asking the Right Question” – Frequency of smoke/sugar treatments on Ethiopian opals, price differences compared to natural black opals.
• opalauctions.com opalauctions.com Opal Auctions (article): "Is Ethiopian opal natural? How to identify a real opal." – Differences between real and fake opal patterns (irregular vs. uniform). Advice: buy only from reputable dealers (100% natural quality, transparency).