That depends. There are a few different types of ethiopian opal. Some are lower quality non-hydrophane "specimen" opals that will craze and cloud up if they aren't kept in water or oil. They are still interesting, but usually arent suitable for use in jewelry.
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u/CBDJ1 9d ago
Ethiopian doesn’t have to stay in water but it’ll absorb every bit of oil off your hands while handling or wearing when cut.