Australian Opals

BLACK OPALS

Natural & Solid Black Opals

Australian black opals, primarily found in Lightning Ridge, NSW, are renowned for their rare and captivating play of colour against a dark body tone. Each opal is unique, displaying vibrant flashes of blues, greens, and reds, making them highly prized by collectors and jewellery enthusiasts. These opals are cherished for their beauty and rarity, often considered valuable investments and treasured heirlooms.

OPAL COLOURS & FIRE

• The base colour of a black opal is typically a dark, rich hue, ranging from deep blue to dark grey or black. Against this dark background, flashes of vibrant colors burst forth, creating a stunning visual effect.
• The colors displayed in black opals can include vivid blues, greens, purples, and occasionally reds and oranges. These colours are often arranged in intricate patterns, with flashes and specks of light that seem to dance across the surface of the stone as it is moved. The intensity and brilliance of the colours can vary depending on the angle of observation and the quality of the opal.
• Some black opals exhibit a phenomenon known as “pinfire,” where the colours appear as small, pinpoint flashes scattered throughout the stone. Others may display larger patches or bars of colour, creating a more dramatic and striking appearance.
• With all conditions equal, black opals with range of vivid and different colours are more valuable than opals with single colours or a cloudy look. Of all colours in black opals, red is the rarest.

BOULDER OPALS

Natural Boulder Opals From Queensland

Australian boulder opals, found mainly in Queensland, boast unique patterns within ironstone boulders. Their vibrant colours, ranging from blues to reds, make each stone a natural masterpiece. Highly sought-after by collectors and jewellers, boulder opals are prized for their individuality and beauty, often featuring as centrepieces in bespoke jewellery pieces.

Boulder Opal Colours & Fire

Unlike black opals, boulder opals are formed on top of ironstone rock which affects its colour display.

The base color of boulder opals can vary widely, from light beige and tan to dark brown or black, owing to the ironstone inclusions. Against this earthy backdrop, vibrant flashes of color emerge, creating a striking contrast that enhances the opal’s visual appeal.

Boulder opals often exhibit a more rugged and natural appearance compared to other opals. This rustic charm, combined with their vibrant and varied colors, makes boulder opals highly sought after by collectors and jewelry designers seeking unique and distinctive gemstones.

In general, boulder opals come in irregular shapes and vary greatly from sizes.