About Healing Phoenix
Cultured Opals

Cultured Opals
Healing Phoenix Lapidary presents two stunning varieties Cultured Opals: Christopher Gage's Artisan-Cut Opals and innovative Fire in Place Cultured Opals designed for jewelers. Their striking beauty, exceptional quality, and sustainable nature make them an excellent choice for any jewelry maker.

Artisan-Cut Cultured Opals
These Cultured Opals feature a complex matrix with captivating flashes and color shifts from various angles. Handcrafted by Christopher Gage with precision, many stones are reversible, showcasing stunning visuals on both sides. Note that this Opal is not heat-resistant and must be set cold, not fired. Recognized by the GIA as true synthetic opals, they share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural opals, being expertly grown in a lab. have a Mohs hardness of 5 - 5.5 and are sustainable, free from forced labor and renewable without depleting resources.

Fire in Place Cultured Opals
The new Fire in Place Cultured Opals introduce exciting possibilities. These heat-resistant opals require 14 to 18 months to grow in a laboratory, showcasing natural colors without any treatments. Capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1650º F (900º C) in a torch or kiln, they maintain their color and sparkle without alteration. The GIA also recognizes these as true synthetic opals, possessing similar properties to natural ones without the water content. With a Mohs hardness of 6 - 7, theseals offer greater durability and do not decompose or emit substances when exposed to high heat. Like their counterparts, they are sustainably produced without forced labor.

**Beware**: Not all cultured or lab-grown opals possess the same properties or heat resistance.

Buying Opals
Navigating the world of Opals can be puzzling. What's the difference between Natural Opal, Imitation Opal, Fake Opal, Cultured Opal, Lab-Grown, and Synthetic Opal?

Natural Opals
These are mined directly from the earth, featuring unique, unaltered patterns aside from cutting and shaping for jewelry.

Cultured Opal, Lab-Grown, and Synthetic Opal
These terms are essentially synonymous. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certifies that all share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties but are cultivated by experts in a lab.

Imitations and Fake Opals
These resemble opals but differ chemically from natural opals, often made from materials like glass, resin, or plastic.