Synthetic Impregnated Opals - Details and Description

Coarse and Fine Crystalline Opals with a Non-Directional Pattern of Play-of-Color (Type 1)

Based on research and various space experiments performed under microgravity, these opals are the world's first samples of homogeneously crystallized synthetic opals, also known as colloidal or photonic crystals. This kind of synthetic impregnated opals shows an intense play-of-color with an irregular, non-directional and polygonal pattern like natural opals, but without any cracks, inclusions or host rock (matrix). The opals are composed of self-organized and ordered monodisperse silica particles embedded in an organic polymer matrix and due to the lack of water in its chemical composition they are not prone to cracking or crazing. Seven varieties of synthetic impregnated opals in different body tones and with a beautiful, sparkling and vivid play-of-color are available: White Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Opal, Orange Opal, Blue, Purple and Green Opal.

These synthetic impregnated opals don't show a columnar pattern typical for opals grown by sedimentation. Thus, an orientation of the opals prior cutting is not necessary anymore.

The non-directional and coarse-grained pattern with big crystallites of 2-3 mm make the synthetic impregnated opals an ideal material to cut colorful beads, teardrops and cabochons for jewelry. But of course, the opals can be used also as inlays for musical instruments and furniture, as mosaic tiles or handle material for knives, brushes and other exclusive objects. Due to the flexibility of the opals in thin sheets also curved surfaces can be decorated. Furthermore, the size of the opals allows carving of big objects and sulptures, massive opal rings and bangles.
Be inspired by our Gallery of Rough and Cut Synthetic Impregnated Opals

Synthetic impregnated opals, available colors (Color Charts):

Green Play-of-Color: Opals with Green Play-of-Color
Red Play-of-Color: Opals with Red Play-of-Color

A special variety of synthetic impregnated opals type 1 are fine crystalline "Aurora Opals" with an impressive swirly or flame-like pattern of Play-of-Color. These synthetic impregnated opals are available in three bright different colors as opals with Green, Orange and Blue as dominant colors. More information: Aurora Opals

Coarse Crystalline Imitation Opal (Type 1)

Lighter with Opal Inlays

Coarse Crystalline Imitation Opal (Type 1)

Lathe Turned Opal Pen

Aurora Opal

Fine Crystalline Imitation Opal

Fine Crystalline Aurora Opal

Imitation Opal with a Non-directional Pattern

Opals Type 1 - Advantages and Properties

• Multicolored Pattern with Big Grains (Crystallites) of 2-3 mm
• Long-time Stable, No Cracking, Crazing or Yellowing
• Without Inclusions, Cracks or Host Rock (Matrix)
• Affordable Price
• No Blind Spots without Play-of-Color
• Intense Play-of-Color in dominant Red or Green, Seven Varieties in Different Body Tones
• No Special Care Required
• Flexible in Thin Sheets
• Easy Processing for a Wide Range of Applications
• Large Objects Producible from a Single Piece
• Ideal for Carving, Slicing, Cutting and Machine Processing
• Non-directional Pattern of Play-of-Color

Synthetic Impregnated Opals - Details and Description

Coarse Crystalline Opals with a directional pattern of play-of-color (Type 2)

These translucent synthetic impregnated opals show an intense play-of-color with an directional (columnar) pattern without any cracks, inclusions or host rock (matrix). The white opals are composed of self-organized and close-packed monodisperse silica particles embedded in an organic polymer matrix and due to the lack of water in its chemical composition they are not prone to cracking or crazing. White impregnated opals are available with a multicolored pattern in a variety of weights and sizes, ranging from 50 - 800 grams.

Synthetic Impregnated Opals Type 2 - Advantages and Properties

• Long-time Stable, No Cracking, Crazing or Yellowing
• Without Inclusions, Cracks or Host Rock (Matrix)
• Affordable Price
• No Blind Spots without Play-of-Color
• Intense Play-of-Color
• No Special Care Required
• Easy Processing for a Wide Range of Applications
• Large Objects Producible from a Single Piece
• Ideal for Carving, Slicing, Cutting and Machine Processing
• Directional Pattern of Play-of-Color