Ethiopian "Welo" Opal

Ethiopian "Welo" or "Wello" Opal is mined from the Wollo Province in Ethiopia. A type of Hydrophane opal, it absorbs and releases water content readily and they become a visual masterpiece when water is absorbed. Their beauty is unrivaled in the gem world.

These particular opals display beautiful landscapes within them. Often, they compare in appearance to nebulae in outer space; with pillars that resemble plumes of gases and beautiful color patterns like the one pictured above. Other specimens like the one pictured below resemble an underwater scene of the ocean floor.

Although we specialize in minerals and gemstones from the Appalachian's, we have a passion for Opal. That is why we buy rough opal from other localties and have it cut. We currently have both Ethiopian Opal & Mexican Fire Opal available. In the future we plan on purchasing rough opal from Australia and Brazil.