GENUINE OPAL
- Cabochon oval
- Size: 5x3 mm
Tolerance of stones +/- 0,2 mm
Worth knowing
The following information was provided to us by our supplier on sustainability and working conditions in the mining of opals:
In 2001, the "International Council on Mining and Metals" was founded, which undertook to create guidelines for improving sustainability in the industry. Requirements that opal prospectors must fulfill before they can even start prospecting for opals have been formulated. To do this, prospectors must attend courses and apply for certificates. This is a "3-pillar model of sustainability:
1. Ecology
The environment and its natural resources should be protected. Water, energy and finite raw materials are used consciously. Human health should also be protected, e.g. substances that are harmful to human health should be avoided.
Many aspects of strictly regulated opal mining in Australia fall under this heading. The Opal Mining Act of 1995 stipulates that opal mining must not endanger water resources, no toxic chemicals may be used and the land, flora and fauna must be rehabilitated after mining. Native plants are being reseeded and the landscape restored to its pre-opal mining state.
The "Code of Environmental Compliance" also stipulates that the land must be rehabilitated in exactly the same form as it was before mining. To this end, all holders of mining leases must register as "Suitable Operators", which is checked very strictly and regularly. The "Opal Mining Act" of 1995 stipulates that landowners on whose land opals are mined must be financially compensated.
2. Economy
Economic sustainability means developing long-term strategies to invest in modern machinery, high-quality raw materials and fair pay for employees. The miners with whom our opal dealer works and also the cutters are paid appropriately and work under first-class conditions. Stones are not loaned on a commission basis, but are paid directly and fairly, so that the prospector also has the opportunity to operate in the long term and make a good living from his work. The miners are personally known to our dealer and regular trips are made to the Australian outback to get an idea of how mining is done. Regular checks are carried out to ensure that licenses are valid and up to date. All our opals are imported into Germany and put into circulation in accordance with customs regulations.
3. Social
We understand social sustainability to mean that the dignity of people and the free development of their personality are safeguarded. This includes justice, safety, fair pay, no exploitation and no forced or child labor. Here too, the Opal Mining Act provides for two key points:
- The areas of land that belong to the indigenous Australians, the Aborigines, are under special protection. The QOMA (Queensland Opal Miners Association, to which our dealer belongs) in particular is committed to the rights of the Aboriginal people and supports the opal miners in complying with the "Cultural Heritage Protocol" by committing itself to the "Duty of Care" rules of the "Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act". All negotiations are accompanied by the QOMA and ensure that the rights of the indigenous people are respected.
- Young people under the age of 16 are not permitted to work in the opal mines. The profits generated from opal mining are not used to finance war, terrorism or political corruption.
Important note on dimensional tolerances and colors
Dimensional tolerances: Unless expressly stated otherwise, tolerances of approx. +/- 0.2 mm must be expected for the delivered stones. Deviations within the tolerance range are no reason for complaint and do not automatically entitle the customer to return this items. For an extra charge, we can deliver stones in exact the size you need. We will be happy to give you prices and delivery times on request!
Color tolerances: Colors in our photos are always non-binding. We deliver the goods that are in stock at the time of the order. Color deviations are not a reason for complaint and do not automatically entitle you to return this items. For an extra charge, we can deliver stones in the color you need. We will be happy to give you prices and delivery times on request!
Qualities
On request we can offer you gemstones in almost all qualities. Prices and delivery times are available on request!