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Sizing Notice: We recently transitioned to new sieve screens and are updating our particle size ranges. Visible differences may exist between newer and older batches.
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SUSTAINABLY SOURCED
Lab-grown opal means no mining and less waste.
Cosmic Dust Crushed Opal
$8.00
TECHNICAL OVERVIEW
ColorCosmic Dust
Sold byGram
Primary ColorYellow
Play-of-ColorYellow, Green
MaterialSynthetic Astral Opal™
Composition80% Silica / 20% Polymer
Heat ResistanceUp to 250°F / 120°C
Hardness4 (Mohs)
Handling
Dry sanding or grinding can create respirable silica dust. Use wet methods and appropriate PPE (respirator and eye protection).
SIZE GUIDE & APPLICATION
(Pictured: Alien Bloodstone)
Ultra Fine
< 0.35mm
Size
Best Use Application
Ultra Fine
Smooth finishes, fine detail, crack-fill
Fine
Tight channels, small bezels, detailed inlay
Medium
General-purpose inlay, most recesses
Large
Bold inlay, mosaic fills, deeper channels
Dry vs Wet Crushed Opal
Wet / Resin
Dry / Raw
(Pictured: Black Fire)
Please Note: You will receive the raw, unpolished material (Dry). The deep color and fire become visible once resin or adhesive is applied (Wet). The finish acts as a polish to reveal the true vibrancy.
Why Makers Choose Lab-Grown
Feature
Astral Opal™ (Lab-Grown)
Natural Opal
Consistent color & pattern
✔
✕
Batch-to-batch matching
✔
✕
Reliable sizing (graded)
✔
✕
Water stability
✔
✕
Repeatable results
✔
✕
Higher yield for price
✔
✕
Note: Natural opal varies widely by origin and treatment. Lab-grown opal is engineered for absolute consistency.
Yes. Astral Opal™ is classified as synthetic (lab-grown) opal. It contains an ordered silica (SiO₂) sphere lattice that produces play-of-color through Bragg Diffraction, just like natural opal. The key difference is that the natural water content is replaced with a stabilizing polymer.
No. Astral Opal™ contains 0% water, so it does not dehydrate, craze, or crack like natural opal. The polymer stabilization significantly improves structural stability during fabrication and long-term use.
Ultra Fine (<0.35mm) is best for smooth finishes and fine detail. Fine (0.35–1mm) works well in tight channels. Medium (1–2mm) is ideal for general inlay and the most commonly used size. Large (2–3.5mm) creates bold, high-contrast fills in deeper channels.
Yes. It can be shaped, sanded, and polished using standard lapidary methods appropriate for materials around Mohs 4 hardness. Wet sanding is recommended for best results and dust control.
