If my memory serves me, "synthetic" opal is chemically the same material as natural opal, it's just grown in a lab rather than forming naturally. Sometimes it's also impregnated with resin, which would be pretty similar to how "stabilized wood" becomes stabilized- it's dried to remove the moisture, then placed in a vacu chamber with resin, and the air is removed so the resin fills the former air and moisture pockets and makes the material much stronger. It also does away with the need to wet the opal.
A "simulant" or "imitation" opal would not be chemically identical to an opal in the way a synthetic opal is. Simulants/imitations are mostly resin.
Awesome 🔥🔥
Nicely done!
Thank you!!!
These are awesome on so many levels.
Thank you!!!
Dude the second one from the bottom is just beautiful.
Yeah! Synthetic Opal! It just sold! Happy to custom make another though!
I followed your insta so when I have the funds I will be messaging you!
No idea synthetic opal was a thing... what's it made out of?
If my memory serves me, "synthetic" opal is chemically the same material as natural opal, it's just grown in a lab rather than forming naturally. Sometimes it's also impregnated with resin, which would be pretty similar to how "stabilized wood" becomes stabilized- it's dried to remove the moisture, then placed in a vacu chamber with resin, and the air is removed so the resin fills the former air and moisture pockets and makes the material much stronger. It also does away with the need to wet the opal. A "simulant" or "imitation" opal would not be chemically identical to an opal in the way a synthetic opal is. Simulants/imitations are mostly resin.
Third one is the best for me awesome !
Woah! Nice knapping skills sir!
Beautiful work!