[Jewelry making - Article 00002] - Re: [Orchid] Opal fakes?

[The Doctor]

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>         What is the Gilson synthetic opal made from? I thought it was
>     made from Pyrex. 

    Kay, Gilson synthetic opal is made from essentially the same
    minerals as natural opal and its' chemical composition is identical;
    SiO2nH2O. Some simulated (or as many say, substitute, or even fake)
    opal is made from glass (most commonly, Slocum stone) that may
    indeed be Pyrex, but it is not a true synthetic, like Gilson. 

    The glass opal simulants have a bright play-of-color that can appear
    like foil, but I don't believe it is. The areas of color become
    translucent to transparent when light is transmitted from behind
    them. I've just taken some photos of some of the characteristics of
    synthetic and simulated opal for one Orchid subscriber. I may
    request to post them on Ganoksin soon. 

James S. Duncan, G.G.
James in SoFl

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