Iridescent Opal Dazzles with Neon Fireworks Naturally Hidden Within

At first glance, the Ethiopian Welo Opal looks like something created in a lab. The dazzling gem radiates neon colors that seem almost too vibrant to be naturally occurring. It's completely real, however, and showcases a harmonious mixture of yellows, reds, greens, and blues. When rotated, the stone sets off a firework-like display of these hues.

This opal is relatively new in the commercial gem world. It's only within the last five years that it was found in Gondar, Ethiopia from a field called Welo. Located on a plateau in the highlands, only the local workers are allowed to mine this place and harvest its incredible bounty.

With its vibrant and varied colorization, it's no surprise that the Ethiopian Welo Opal is a popular choice for jewelry. Sites like Treasurion also sell the loose gemstone for upwards of a thousand dollars.

Photo source: Treasurion

Photo source: Treasurion

Photo source: Treasurion

Photo source: Treasurion

Photo source: Treasurion

Photo source: Treasurion

Photo source: Treasurion

Photo source: Treasurion

Photo source: Treasurion

Like all gems, there is visual diversity within the Ethiopian Welo Opal. This particular cut looks like an ocean bed is contained inside of it.

Photo source: DireTube

Photo source: DireTube

Photo source: DireTube

Photo source: DireTube

via [Reddit]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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