Sanwa Asia Blog
Kyocera Opal is a polymer impregnated synthetic opal invented by Kyocera Corporation. Explore its origins, manufacturing process, color range, and benefits.
Dive into the captivating world of Kyocera Opal with Sanwa's comprehensive guide. Discover its origins, unique characteristics, and benefits. Whether you're a jewelry enthusiast or a gemstone lover, explore the enchanting beauty of Kyocera Opal with Sanwa today.
What is Kyocera Opal?
"Kyocera Opal" is the term commonly used to describe the synthetic opal produced by Kyocera Corporation. The name stems from its developer — a company that earned a place on Forbes' list of the World's Best Regarded Companies in 2019. Kyocera Corporation developed an innovative polymer impregnated synthetic opal in 1990. With its headquarters in Kyoto, this material was registered under the brand "Kyoto Opal".
How is Kyocera Opal made?
Kyocera Opal (lab-grown opal) takes about a year to grow in laboratory conditions and is similar in properties to natural opal. During its growth, silica spheres self-organize into orderly arrays — the same microscopic structure that produces play-of-color in natural precious opal.
The range of colors in Kyocera Opal
Kyocera Opal was first introduced in 12 colors. Since Sanwa's promotion of this material to the world, the color range has expanded significantly — now spanning warm fires, cool fires, and multicolor fire patterns suitable for every design palette.
Benefits and uses of Kyocera Opal
Kyocera Opal is the first polymer impregnated synthetic opal successfully produced in the world. Its consistent quality, vivid fire, and compatibility with jewelry plating make it a favorite for 925 silver jewelry, gold-plated pieces, watchmaking, and fashion accessories.
- Consistent play-of-color with vertical fire structure
- Compatible with 925 silver, gold plating, and rhodium plating
- Available in cabochons, fancy beads, coins, sheets, and rough stone
- Wide color palette — from classic whites to galaxy blues and blacks
The sustainability of Kyocera Opal production
Kyocera Corporation — on Forbes' 2019 list of the World's Best Regarded Companies — is a technology company focused on sustainability. Because Kyocera Opal is grown in a controlled lab environment, production avoids the environmental impact of opal mining entirely, making it an eco-conscious choice for modern jewelry brands.
