Talk to any experienced gem dealer about opal and one of the first things he will say is "ask about treatment". That is not suspicion. It is simply that opal is a stone where honest disclosure matters more than usual.

Here is what the trade knows. A whole opal is normally sold just as it came out of the ground. Some, though, are smoked or soaked in sugar solution to darken the body colour. And doublets and triplets, where a thin slice of opal is glued onto a backing, are common enough that a buyer should always check. We sell solid natural opal only.

About this stone

It is a 1.45 carat natural fire opal with play of colour. Hardness is 5.5 to 6.5, so treat it gently and keep it out of hot water and strong sun.

For details on this exact stone, send us the reference AG-000586 on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know. Independent lab testing is up to you; we are happy for you to arrange it.

You can browse similar pieces under opals, or read our opal guide first.

Because it is Cash on Delivery, you inspect the opal at your door before any payment. Karachi orders usually land in 1–2 working days, Lahore, Islamabad and other cities in 2–4, and returns are accepted for 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-000586 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.