There are plenty of online stores that offer  opal gemstone for sale. However, the majority of them sell cheap imitation opals or even treated stones. Therefore, it is critical to distinguish between a  natural opal stone in India and other types of gems. In India, there is a huge demand for the natural opal stone, but not all buyers are aware of the potential dangers of purchasing cheap imitation stones. This article provides essential information about how to identify a genuine  opal gemstone in India and avoid being scammed online. 

7 shocking signs that you are being cheated while buying an opal gemstone online 

1. Rainbow play of colour with repetitive patterns 

One of the main features of a  genuine Australian opal is its ability to shift the colour according to various angles of illumination. If the stone has a perfectly repetitive rainbow pattern, then it is either synthetic or heavily treated. 

2. Low pricing 

There is no doubt that opal is a precious stone that should be priced quite expensively. If the price seems to be too attractive, think twice because a  genuine Australian opal gemstone never has heavy discounts. 

3. No certificate of origin 

True sellers almost always mention certificates that state the origin, treatment and authenticity. You have to be wary about purchasing an  opal gemstone in case there is no evidence if it is a natural stone in India or imported from other countries. 

4. Identical patterns 

Natural stones do not have repeated patterns while imitation ones like resin or glass tend to have exactly the same pattern internally. 

5. Inappropriate weight or texture 

Opals are quite dense and feel much heavier than fake resin or plastic imitations. 

6. Lack of variation of colors depending on viewing angles 

A truly unique  opal gemstone varies in its appearance depending on various viewing angles. If it looks like the same stone regardless of the angle, it might be an imitation. 

7. Perfect finish 

Natural gems always have slight flaws. Opals which appear to be perfectly polished and flawless could be fake. 

Why opal imitations are popular online 

As mentioned above, the growing popularity of opals also makes it quite easy to buy their imitations. A lot of sellers try to sell treated or composite gems by saying that these are opal gemstones. That is why it becomes crucial for consumers to know more about opal gemstones before purchasing them online. 

How to protect yourself from buying fake opals 

• Purchase from credible vendors only 
• Request certification and country of origin information 
• Verify prices against average prices in the market 
• Examine videos instead of still images 
• Choose dealers who clearly state if it is a  genuine Australian opal or not 

Knowledge remains your best tool against fraudsters. 

Conclusion 

An opal gemstone is considered one of the most beautiful types of precious stones in the world. They can be purchased either locally within India or imported from other countries around the globe. By being aware of the tips provided above, you will not make any mistakes when choosing the right stone for yourself. Remember,  opal gemstones are always unique, slightly imperfect and have their own individual character.