Do any of you have a Boider Opal or know about them?

Question

Hello,

Just wandering what your luck is with a Boider Opal?

I have had one break and it was replaced and it broke again. I had another one instead with a different shape, and it broke.

I have never had any opals break before. Is this usual with a Border Opal?

Thank you for your kind answer.

I do not get them wet. It is a necklace.

It is a Boider Opal, not a Border Opal. Sorry.

Answer 1

I think you must be referring to "Boulder Opal". I have a large collection of opals, some are boulder opals.

It is unusual for an opal to break in a necklace since they don't get the wear that rings do, unless the necklace gets dropped.

All opals have the same hardness of 3 on the hardness scale, which means that they are only harder than pearls and talc, and they aren't tough either--but some are protected with a clear crystal top and a dark back material--they are called triplets---and there are some doublets, as well. Some opal material forms in such thin seams that it can't be cut into a regular cabuchon shape like thicker opal material. That's why it's made into doublets or triplets.

The only thing that I can think of is that your opal may be in a pressure fit mounting, which may be exerting enough pressure to make it crack--but for it to happen several times? I can't tell you. I'd be interested to know what your piece looks like. Could you possibly email me a photo?
My email is on my profile.

Answer 2

My mother had one and they are fragile.