Are Lab Opals REAL Opals?
In a word, "YES."
" Real opal vs lab created
Synthetic, or 'lab-produced' opals possess nearly all the same chemical, physical and optical characteristics as genuine, mined opals. "
Synthetic opal is denser and contains less water, so it does not crack like a natural stone. The price of laboratory opal is lower than that of natural opal. Externally, it is almost indistinguishable from natural stone. The color palette of artificial stones is much wider.
"Is a lab created opal a real opal?
What is Synthetic Opal? Synthetic opal is opal that's made in a laboratory. It has the same chemical and physical properties as natural, mined opal. That means that synthetic opal is real opal."