Gilson Opal

Gilson opals are a type of laboratory-created opal originally synthesized by Pierre Gilson in 1974. These synthetic opals can be encased in borosilicate glass and used in a variety of applications. Some artificial opals may contain plastic stabilizers and other substances not contained in natural opal and are thus not suitable for borosilicate encasement. Synthetic opal carried by reputable lampwork suppliers are typically safe for use - beware "artificial" or "imitation" opal obtained elsewhere.