There is no everyday Urdu name for opal; in Pakistan people simply say opal, sometimes adding its astrological link. The word comes from the Latin opalus, usually traced to the Sanskrit upala, a precious stone. Vedic astrology connects it with Venus, and it is the October birthstone. We share both as tradition and nothing more.

This stone weighs 1.45 carats and is solid natural opal, reference AG-000583. It measures 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, softer than ruby or sapphire, and it is happiest in a pendant or a pair of earrings where it will not be knocked about.

About treatment: smoking and sugar-staining are known in opal, and doublets and triplets are around, but we only sell solid stones. If you message us on WhatsApp we will tell you what we know about this one. Keep it away from heat and very dry places, because opal holds water and can craze or crack.

Our October birthstone article gives more background, and similar stones are in the opal category.

When the parcel comes, open it, look at the stone and only then pay the rider. Karachi typically gets it in 1–2 working days, the rest of Pakistan in 2–4, and you can return it within 7 days.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural opal with a weight of 1.45 Carat. Its price is Rs. 4,880 — roughly Rs. 3,366 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000583 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

Under two carats, a stone like this sits neatly in a slim ring, a stud or a delicate pendant and does not snag on sleeves. It is also where many first-time buyers begin when a stone is recommended for astrological reasons, because the total cost stays modest.

On the Mohs scale opal rates 5.5 to 6.5. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy opal from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every opal for those three points before it is listed, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. No lab report yet; independent testing welcome. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Solid opal is usually untreated; some opal is smoke- or sugar-treated, and doublets/triplets exist — we sell solid natural opal. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.