Any reason not to put an opal in my tank?

[iamgroovy]

I have a small frog carved out of opal that I'd like to add to one of my tanks. Since opals are comprised of water and silica it would seem safe. Any opinions? Known issues?

 

[iamgroovy]

Anyone?

 

[silentskream]

i think it would be safe.. but i guess it depends on if it was polished/coated with something

 

[Sploke]

I would think that they are pretty inert.

 

[iamgroovy]

It's polished but I don't believe there is any coating on it. I will, of course, clean it well before adding it to the tank.

 

[silentskream]

then i'd say go for it.
and take pictures! i bet it will be pretty!

 

[Chele&Luke]

Guess I'm in the minority here - but personally if no-one could say it was 100% safe for sure, I'd drop it in some water for a few days and do some tests just to see if anything changed...

Won't help on the 'is anything poisonous' question, but at least that way I'd know I'd done everything I could to check it out!

Hopefully someone with opal experience will turn up and make it a 'no-brainer' for you!

Sure sounds like it's going to be pretty - good luck

 

[msjinkzd]

alot of times stones are coated with a wax (like butcher's wax) when the carving is completed..its buffed until its super shiny and you wouldn't be able to scratch it off..that is the only thing I would be concerned with.

 

[Jaysn]

Maybe try putting some vinegar on it somewhere to see if it dissolves. That's a pretty standard test for wild rocks from what I've read. I'd try it on the bottom somewhere so if it does dissolve a bit you won't ruin your piece.