Crushed Synthetic Opal for Inlay
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.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN SHOPPING AT THE OPAL DEALER
AVAILABLE Crushed Opal COLORS
Afterglow
Alien Bloodstone
Amber
Amethyst
Aurora
Black Emerald
Black Fire
Bubblegum
Caribbean Blue
Cherry Blossom
Cheshire
Cosmic Dust
Cotton Candy
Dark Matter
Deep Sea Coral
Dragon's Egg
Frozen Peach
Fuchsia
Glacier
Golden Pineapple
Hibiscus
Jade
Key Lime
Lagoon
Lava Rock
Magma
Mint
Moonstone
Nectar
Neptune
Nitro
Oasis
Odyssey
Olive
Orange Dahlia
Orchid
Pacific Sapphire
Pearl White
Petunia
Rose Quartz
Ruby Red
Seafoam
Sleepy Lavender
Space Titanium
Star Burst
Tangerine
Tiger's Eye
Turquoise
Ultra Violet
Witches Brew
SIZE GUIDE & APPLICATION
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
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
Astral Opal™ contains silica. Use wet methods or appropriate respiratory protection when cutting or grinding to minimize airborne silica exposure.
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