gemstone

Ethiopian green opal (likely common opal)

Opal, hydrated amorphous silica (SiO₂·nH₂O); exact identity cannot be confirmed from this small photo

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

A small, dark green, irregular fragment with a glossy surface. Opal has no crystal structure, Mohs hardness about 5.5–6.5, and a variable specific gravity around 2.0; this image does not show enough detail to assess play-of-color or cleavage.

Identified October 2, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Ethiopian green opal (likely common opal) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Ethiopian green opal (likely common opal)
Scientific name: Opal, hydrated amorphous silica (SiO₂·nH₂O); exact identity cannot be confirmed from this small photo
Category: gemstone
Identified: October 2, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $1–$20 for a small common or rough fragment; more if verified precious opal with attractive play-of-color.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Opal forms as silica-rich water deposits gel in rock cavities and later hardens. Ethiopia’s opal deposits are chiefly associated with volcanic rocks and are generally Cenozoic in age.

Uses & applications

Ethiopian opal is cut for jewelry and collected; opaque or fractured fragments may have mainly specimen value.

Geological facts

The note “Ethiopia green” supports Ethiopian green opal as a possibility, but color alone cannot distinguish opal from other green minerals or glass.

Field identification & locations

Look for a waxy-to-vitreous luster, uneven fracture, and—if precious opal—flashes of spectral color when tilted. The pictured fragment is too small and dark for confident identification; a gemologist’s tests can confirm it.