Faceted opal is becoming increasingly common among jewelry lovers and gemstone buyers these days. While opal was once found mostly in smooth, rounded cabochon cuts, faceted opal gemstones have now become a strong part of premium jewelry.
If you're searching for terms like "faceted opal," "opal faceted," or "faceted fire opal," it means you're interested in learning about a unique, rare, and visually striking gemstone. In this guide, we'll explain in simple and practical terms:
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What is faceted opal?
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What is faceted fire opal?
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Why are opal faceted gemstones rare?
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And their value, uses, care, and buying tips.
What Is a Faceted Opal?
A faceted opal is an opal gemstone cut with flat surfaces (facets). These facets reflect light, giving the stone extra brightness and sparkle. Normally, opal is soft and moisture-sensitive, so most opal stones are created in smooth, dome-shaped cabochon cuts. However, when the opal is transparent or crystal clear, it can be given a faceted cut. In simple terms:
Opal + flat cuts = Faceted Opal
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What Does “Faceted” Mean in Gemstones?
In the gemstone industry, faceted refers to multiple flat, geometric surfaces on a stone that reflect light from different angles. The main purpose of faceting is to:
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Enhance sparkle
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Increase brilliance
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Give the stone a premium look
Stones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are always faceted. Faceting is rare in opal, so faceted opal is considered more special.
Types of Faceted Opal Gemstones
Not every opal is faceted, and not every faceted opal is the same. Understand the common types below:
White Faceted Opal
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Subtle play of color
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Mostly for collectors
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Milky or white base color
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Rarely found in faceted form
Crystal Faceted Opal
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Bright color flashes
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Best quality for faceting
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Quite popular in jewelry
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Transparent or semi-transparent body
Faceted Fire Opal
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Usually transparent
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Orange, red, and yellow tones
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Most in demand in a faceted cut
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May or may not have a play of color
What Is Faceted Fire Opal?
Faceted fire opal is a transparent opal with a fiery orange, red, or golden yellow color, and is cut in a faceted manner. The main attraction of fire opal is its strong body color, crystal-clear appearance, and high brilliance when faceted.
Not every stone in this type of opal shows play of color, but the faceting makes its glow and sparkle quite eye-catching. This is why the use of faceted fire opal in rings, pendants, and designer earrings is increasing speedily.
Faceted Opal vs. Cabochon Opal
It's important to understand these differences.
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Faceted Opal |
Cabochon Opal |
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Rare |
More durable |
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Flat cuts |
Smooth rounded top |
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More sparkle |
Color plays more visible |
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Premium jewelry |
Better for daily wear |
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Somewhat delicate |
Common availability |
If you want visual brilliance → faceted opal
If you want durability and tradition → cabochon opal
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Why Are Faceted Opals Rare?
There are a few clear reasons why faceted opals are rare:
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Opal is naturally soft.
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Skilled cutters are required.
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Cutting losses are quite high.
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There is a higher risk of cracking during faceting.
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Only high-quality transparent opal can handle faceting.
For this reason, genuine faceted opal is rare in the market, and the price is naturally high.
Color, Transparency, and Sparkle in Faceted Opals
The beauty of a faceted opal depends on three things:
Color
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Fire opal: orange, red, yellow
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Crystal opal: multiple flashes
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Even color increases the value
Transparency
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Cloudy opal is not ideal for faceting
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More transparent = better faceting result
Sparkle
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Facets reflect light
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Good cutting makes the stone appear more lively
Uses of Faceted Opal in Jewelry
Faceted opal is mostly used in statement jewelry, such as engagement rings (with care), designer pendants, luxury earrings, and limited-edition jewelry. It is not recommended for daily rough use, especially in rings.
Faceted Opal Value and Price Factors
The price of faceted opal is not fixed, but depends on the stone's size and carat:
Opal type (fire opal, crystal opal)
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Origin
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Cut quality
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Carat weight
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Color intensity
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Transparency level
High-quality faceted fire opal can cost significantly more than regular cabochon opal.
How to Identify Genuine Faceted Opal
Identifying genuine faceted opal is important because fake faceted opals are also available in the market today. Therefore, it is important to recognize them and understand these five things:
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It will contain natural elements.
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It will not have a plastic-like sheen.
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An overly perfect sheen may be fake.
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The depth of color will appear natural.
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If you are buying faceted opal online, be sure to check the certification.
Lab-grown and glass imitations are common in the market, so it is important to be cautious.
Read More:- What is Opalescent Stone?
Care and Maintenance of Faceted Opal Gemstones
Faceted opal requires a little extra care because it is delicate.
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Avoid dry storage
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Clean with a soft cloth
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Protect from direct heat
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Remove rings during heavy work
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Keep away from harsh chemicals
With proper care, faceted opal can remain beautiful for years.
Pros and Cons of Faceted Opal
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Pros |
Cons |
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Unique look |
Delicate nature |
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Rare gemstone |
Higher price |
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High shine |
Care required |
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Premium feel |
Limited availability |
Tips for Buying Faceted Fire Opals and Faceted Opal Gems
When buying, keep in mind:
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Avoid overpricing
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There must be a return policy
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The seller must be trustworthy
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Certification must be available
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Choose based on personal use
Buying with knowledge is better than buying without thinking.
Conclusion
Faceted opal, whether it's faceted fire opal or a faceted gemstone, is a unique and premium choice that offers a distinct feel from traditional opals. This gemstone isn't for everyone, but for those who value exclusivity and elegance, faceted opal is a perfect option.
If you make an informed purchase and maintain proper care, faceted opal can become a standout piece in your jewelry collection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is faceted opal suitable for daily wear?
Ans: Faceted opal is not ideal for daily rough use, especially in rings.
Q2: Is faceted fire opal more expensive?
Ans: Yes, good quality faceted fire opal is generally more expensive.
Q3: Does faceted opal show play of color?
Ans: Yes, faceted opal is natural too, just the cut is different.
Q4: Are faceted opals natural?
Ans: Yes, faceted opal is natural too, just the cut is different.
Q5: How can I tell if faceted opal is real?
Ans: Natural imperfections, certification, and a trusted seller are hallmarks of real opal.
