Opal is Australia's national gemstone - over 95% of the world's precious opal is mined in Australia. Opal is a mixture of silica and water and gives off its amazing colors by the diffraction of light passing through the tiny silica spheres that make up the structure of the opal.
Opal is a delicate stone with a fine vibration. Opal is said to enhance cosmic consciousness, stimulating originality and dynamic creativity, it aids in accessing and expressing one's true self. Opal is often associated with love and passion. Wearing opal is said to bring loyalty, faithfulness and spontaneity.
There are several types and colors of opal - such as black/dark, gray/semi-black, boulder opal, matrix opal, conglomerate opal, crystal opal and light opal.
Black/Dark Opal is found mainly at Lightning Ridge in NSW. This magnificent variety in gem quality is arguably the most valuable. Ablaze with color, its dark appearance distinguishes is from light opal.
Light Opal is found mainly in South Australia at Coober Pedy, Mintabie and Andamooka. With brilliant reds, blues and greens intermingled in a white or light background. This is the most common type of opal.
Boulder Opal is found in South Australia and Central Queensland. This beautiful variety of opal naturally forms as veins within ironstone boulders which are split open to reveal the opal.
Opal comes in all sizes from small to pieces like The Horizon.
Click HERE to see a short video clip showing Boulder and Black Opal.
Click HERE to see another short video clip on Opal.
