The glow of Northern Lights with its amazing flashes of colors, Opals were long thought to hold magical powers. For this reason, rare Opals were often reserved for royalty. The crown of the Holy Roman Emperor was a superb example, a fiery red Opal called "The Burning Of Troy". This was given as a gift from Napolean to Josephine, forming part of the crown jewels of France. Queen Victoria also loved Opals and often presented them as wedding gifts. The changing colors and fire symbolize love, life, hope and truth. In 1938, Carroll F. Chatham, a scientist from San Francisco after many years of research and great determination, discovered the technique of growing gems. His theory was that by, replicating the natural conditions deep within the earth, the appropriate temperatures, pressures and chemicals, he would be capable of growing a gem in his laboratory. Based on his theory, at a fraction of the cost of a mined gem, he could grow gemstones possessing the same physical, chemical, spectral and optical qualities of mined gems. Chatham Created Opal was first developed in 2001. An accomplishment of brilliance, the art of producing these gems remains within the Chatham family only.
Semi-translucent, Medium to High Fire, Good Color range from Blues, Greens & Reds, Good Cut, Good Polish.
Moh's Hardness = 5 - 6.5.
Moh's Hardness = 5 - 6.5.
