What is a Slocum stone?

A Slocum stone is indeed an opal imitation made of glass. This material was created in the late 19th century and is designed to closely mimic the appearance of natural opal. It features a play-of-color that is similar to that of genuine opal, which made it a popular choice for use in jewelry during that time. The Slocum stone's glass composition and the techniques used in its production allow it to capture some of the visual qualities of real opals, making it a notable synthetic alternative. Understanding Slocum stones is important for distinguishing between natural opal and its artificial counterparts in both identification and valuation within the gemstone market.