Australian Opals

FIND YOUR PERFECT OPAL STONE

Opal from Australia is a beautiful, rare and highly prized gemstone that contains all the colours of the rainbow in stunning patterns and shapes. An opal's appearance changes when it is moved around in the light, uncovering unseen beauty and hidden mysteries. Each opal gemstone is as unique as a snowflake or human fingerprint, with no two found ever the same.

What Is Opal?

Opal is a hydrated form of silica, a mineral made of tiny, uniform spheres arranged in a grid-like structure. These spheres diffract light, creating the famous 'play-of-colour' effect...

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FIND YOUR PERFECT OPAL STONE

Opal from Australia is a beautiful, rare and highly prized gemstone that contains all the colours of the rainbow in stunning patterns and shapes. An opal's appearance changes when it is moved around in the light, uncovering unseen beauty and hidden mysteries. Each opal gemstone is as unique as a snowflake or human fingerprint, with no two found ever the same.

What Is Opal?

Opal is a hydrated form of silica, a mineral made of tiny, uniform spheres arranged in a grid-like structure. These spheres diffract light, creating the famous 'play-of-colour' effect seen in high-quality opal gems. Unlike other gemstones with a fixed hue, opal stones can display multiple colours at once, shifting with movement and light.

Formed over millions of years, Australian opals are created when water carrying dissolved silica seeps into underground rock formations. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind layers of silica, which slowly solidify into opal. This slow natural process gives each opal its one-of-a-kind appearance.

Opal Gems: Meaning and Symbolism

Opal has been revered throughout history for their magical appearance and spiritual significance. The opal gemstone meaning varies between cultures but generally symbolises inspiration, hope, truth, and transformation. In ancient Rome, opal was considered a symbol of purity and hope. The Greeks believed opals gave the gift of prophecy, while Arabic legends claimed they fell from the heavens in flashes of lightning.

In modern times, opal is associated with emotional healing, intuition, and creativity. Many people wear opal stones as personal talismans, believing they can bring balance, confidence, and clarity. Opal is also the October birthstone and well known as the 'Queen of Gems'.

What Color Is Opal?

So, what colour is opal? The answer is: it varies! Unlike gemstones that come in one or two colours, opal stones can display every colour of the spectrum, often all within the same gem. This includes rare red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet and pink hues.

One of opal's most well-known and loved attributes is its ‘play-of-colour’. This optical phenomenon occurs when a beautiful movement of colour is seen mostly on the top, or face, of the opal as it is turned in the light. Spectacular, iridescent patterns appear with names like Harlequin, pinfire, rolling flash, flagstone and Chinese writing, among others.

The structure of silica spheres within an opal affects its colour. Larger spheres tend to produce red or orange colours, while smaller spheres create blue and green tones. This structure is what also gives opals their play-of-colour. The background or body tone of an opal plays a major role in its appearance, including the vividness of an opal's colour.

Australian Opal: The Gemstone of a Nation

When it comes to opal production, Australia is the undisputed leader. Over 90% of the world’s precious opal comes from Australia, making Australian opal the most sought-after in the global market. Renowned opal mining regions like Lightning Ridge (home to the famed black opal), Coober Pedy, Andamooka, and Mintabie are legendary among collectors and jewellers alike.

Australian opals are seen as the world's best, prized for their vibrant colour, durability, and unique patterns. The country’s stable climate and vast sandstone deposits create ideal conditions for opal formation, resulting in some of the most breathtaking opal gemstones in the world.

Types of Australian Opals

There are many types of opals, each with unique features. White and milky opals are  lighter and often more affordable, while black and dark opals are rarer and more vibrant. Crystal opals are transparent or semi-transparent with bright colour play, while Queensland boulder opals form in ironstone and offer rich contrast and durability. Here's a breakdown of the most well-known varieties:

1. Black Opal

Known for its dark body tone and vibrant colours, black opal is considered the most valuable type. Found mainly in Lightning Ridge, Australia, black opals can display intense flashes of red, blue, green, and orange.

2. White Opal

Also known as milk opal, this type has a pale body tone with softer play-of-colour. White opals are the most common type and are typically found in South Australia.

3. Boulder Opal

Formed within ironstone rock, boulder opals are known for their durability and dramatic contrast. Their colourful veins appear against the dark brown host rock, making each stone unique.

4. Crystal Opal

Crystal opals are transparent or semi-transparent opals with vivid colour play. Their clarity enhances the brightness of their colours, making them ideal for jewellery.

5. Fire Opal

While not commonly associated with play-of-colour, fire opals have a strong body colour in orange, red or yellow tones. These opals are mostly found in Mexico.

6. Common Opal

Also known as 'potch', common opals lack the play-of-colour that defines precious opal. However, they are still valued for their attractive solid hues, like pink, green, or blue.

Opal Mining and Ethical Sourcing

Opal mining in Australia is a vital industry that supports local communities and small-scale miners in remote locations like Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, Andamooka, and Mintabie, which have become synonymous with the gem itself. These rugged outback communities are rich in both character and treasure, built around generations of miners who have dedicated their lives to unearthing these dazzling stones.

Sourcing Australian opal is often done by small-scale miners and family-run operations using a combination of traditional hand-dug shafts and modern machinery. Unlike large-scale mineral extraction, opal mining typically has a lower environmental impact. Many miners work on small claims, and the nature of the industry supports independent prospectors, promoting regional employment and sustaining rural economies.

The Australian opal industry is known for ethical mining practices that prioritise environmental sustainability and fair labour. Choosing ethically sourced opal ensures that your gemstone purchase supports responsible trade and the preservation of natural opal fields for future generations. Reputable sellers often work directly with Australian miners who can trace the opal’s origin back to its source.

Raw Opal and Cutting

Raw opal—also known as rough opal—refers to opal that has not yet been cut or polished. Collectors and lapidaries often seek unpolished opals for their potential to become stunning gemstones. Cutting opal requires skill and precision, as the colour layers can be thin and fragile. The process includes sawing, shaping, sanding and finally polishing to bring out the stone's full beauty.

Opals mined in Australia are not only shaped into round or oval stones, but in more recent times freeform shapes or carved opals have become exceptionally popular, both for collection pieces and to be set into captivating fine quality gold and silver opal jewellery. However many gem enthusiasts also collect raw opals for their natural form, appreciating them as geological wonders straight from the earth.

Opal Cost and Value

Opal cost depends on several factors, including type, colour, pattern, body tone, clarity, size and origin. Black opals are generally the most valuable due to their rarity and intense colour play. White opals and crystal opals tend to be more affordable, making them accessible for all types of jewellery lovers—however an excellent quality, sizeable crystal or white opal can sill be expensive.

Some of the rarest opal stones can fetch tens of thousands of dollars per carat. On average, high-quality opals range from $100 to $5,000 per carat. Factors like ethical sourcing and skilled cutting also influence opal price.

Opals for Sale: What to Look For

When browsing opals for sale, consider the following:

Play-of-colour: Look for stones with strong, multi-directional flashes of colour.

Body tone: Darker tones (black opal) tend to enhance colour contrast.

Clarity: Fewer inclusions or cracks result in higher value.

Shape and cut: Oval cuts are most popular, but free-form shapes are also desirable.

Origin: Authentic, high end Australian opal often comes with a certificate stating the opal field location the stone was sourced from e.g. Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy

For investment or collection purposes, buying from reputable sellers who specialise in opals is key.

The Opal Collection: Jewellery and Beyond

An opal collection is a beautiful way to enjoy the natural beauty and colour of this unique gemstone. Whether in rings, pendants, earrings, or bracelets, opal jewellery stands out for its bright flashes of colour and one-of-a-kind charm. Every opal is different, which makes each piece feel special and personal.

You can choose from ready-made opal jewellery or loose opal stones to create your own custom piece. Jewellery designers love working with opal because of its amazing colours and patterns, and the unique freeform shapes that are popular today. Whether you're starting your opal collection or adding to it, these gemstones bring colour, beauty and meaning to any jewellery box.

Opal: The Stone of Light And Colour

Opal continues to enchant collectors, jewellers and spiritual seekers around the world. From its incredible colour play to its deep symbolic roots, the opal is truly a gift of the Earth. Whether you're seeking a meaningful birthstone, a striking jewellery centrepiece, or a stunning collector’s gem, opals offer beauty that goes beyond the surface.

With their rich history, natural wonder, and unmatched individuality, it’s no surprise that opals remain one of the most treasured gemstones in the world. Explore an opal collection, invest in a piece of raw opal, or find a breathtaking gem from a trusted source of opals for sale—and let the magic of opal the gemstone light up your world.

WHY BUY AN AUSTRALIAN OPAL FROM BLACK STAR OPAL?

Black Star Opal is your go-to online store for natural Australian opals and opal jewellery. We offer a wide range of beautiful opal gemstones in different colours and patterns, sourced straight from Australia’s famous opal fields. Whether you're shopping for a specific stone or a gift, we have something for every style and budget. Our helpful team is always ready to assist with any order—big or small.

We’re a family-owned business with strong ties to the opal industry since 1969. We began as Lightning Ridge opal miners and exporters, and today we also run The Opal Centre at the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. We work closely with local miners in Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy and Queensland, and team up with skilled jewellers to bring you high-quality opal pieces at fair prices.

Every order comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can shop with peace of mind. If you're not completely happy with your purchase or want to exchange it, we’re here to help. At Black Star Opal, we love helping people discover their perfect opal.

OPAL GEMSTONE DELIVERY INFORMATION

At Black Star Opal, we offer reliable global delivery on all orders. Enjoy free standard shipping on orders over AUD $200 and free express shipping on orders over AUD $1500. Every order also includes free postal insurance, protecting you against loss, theft or damage during delivery.

We ship through Australia Post with secure, trackable services. Within Australia, we use Standard or Express Post with tracking and optional signature. For international orders, we ship via International Standard or Express Air Mail, both with tracking and signature. Prefer FedEx? Just ask—we can arrange it for an extra fee based on your location.

You’ll get a tracking number by email once your order is shipped. Delivery usually takes 2–4 business days in Australia and around 2 weeks internationally. Delays may occur due to customs or global shipping issues beyond our control.

Before ordering, we recommend checking the Australia Post website for the latest delivery times. Customs clearance may vary by country, and you’re responsible for any local duties or taxes.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our friendly team—we’re always happy to help.

Read Less

FIND YOUR PERFECT OPAL STONE

Opal from Australia is a beautiful, rare and highly prized gemstone that contains all the colours of the rainbow in stunning patterns and shapes. An opal's appearance changes when it is moved around in the light, uncovering unseen beauty and hidden mysteries. Each opal gemstone is as unique as a snowflake or human fingerprint, with no two found ever the same.

What Is Opal?

Opal is a hydrated form of silica, a mineral made of tiny, uniform spheres arranged in a grid-like structure. These spheres diffract light, creating the famous 'play-of-colour' effect seen in high-quality opal gems. Unlike other gemstones with a fixed hue, opal stones can display multiple colours at once, shifting with movement and light.

Formed over millions of years, Australian opals are created when water carrying dissolved silica seeps into underground rock formations. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind layers of silica, which slowly solidify into opal. This slow natural process gives each opal its one-of-a-kind appearance.

Opal Gems: Meaning and Symbolism

Opal has been revered throughout history for their magical appearance and spiritual significance. The opal gemstone meaning varies between cultures but generally symbolises inspiration, hope, truth, and transformation. In ancient Rome, opal was considered a symbol of purity and hope. The Greeks believed opals gave the gift of prophecy, while Arabic legends claimed they fell from the heavens in flashes of lightning.

In modern times, opal is associated with emotional healing, intuition, and creativity. Many people wear opal stones as personal talismans, believing they can bring balance, confidence, and clarity. Opal is also the October birthstone and well known as the 'Queen of Gems'.

What Color Is Opal?

So, what colour is opal? The answer is: it varies! Unlike gemstones that come in one or two colours, opal stones can display every colour of the spectrum, often all within the same gem. This includes rare red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet and pink hues.

One of opal's most well-known and loved attributes is its ‘play-of-colour’. This optical phenomenon occurs when a beautiful movement of colour is seen mostly on the top, or face, of the opal as it is turned in the light. Spectacular, iridescent patterns appear with names like Harlequin, pinfire, rolling flash, flagstone and Chinese writing, among others.

The structure of silica spheres within an opal affects its colour. Larger spheres tend to produce red or orange colours, while smaller spheres create blue and green tones. This structure is what also gives opals their play-of-colour. The background or body tone of an opal plays a major role in its appearance, including the vividness of an opal's colour.

Australian Opal: The Gemstone of a Nation

When it comes to opal production, Australia is the undisputed leader. Over 90% of the world’s precious opal comes from Australia, making Australian opal the most sought-after in the global market. Renowned opal mining regions like Lightning Ridge (home to the famed black opal), Coober Pedy, Andamooka, and Mintabie are legendary among collectors and jewellers alike.

Australian opals are seen as the world's best, prized for their vibrant colour, durability, and unique patterns. The country’s stable climate and vast sandstone deposits create ideal conditions for opal formation, resulting in some of the most breathtaking opal gemstones in the world.

Types of Australian Opals

There are many types of opals, each with unique features. White and milky opals are  lighter and often more affordable, while black and dark opals are rarer and more vibrant. Crystal opals are transparent or semi-transparent with bright colour play, while Queensland boulder opals form in ironstone and offer rich contrast and durability. Here's a breakdown of the most well-known varieties:

1. Black Opal

Known for its dark body tone and vibrant colours, black opal is considered the most valuable type. Found mainly in Lightning Ridge, Australia, black opals can display intense flashes of red, blue, green, and orange.

2. White Opal

Also known as milk opal, this type has a pale body tone with softer play-of-colour. White opals are the most common type and are typically found in South Australia.

3. Boulder Opal

Formed within ironstone rock, boulder opals are known for their durability and dramatic contrast. Their colourful veins appear against the dark brown host rock, making each stone unique.

4. Crystal Opal

Crystal opals are transparent or semi-transparent opals with vivid colour play. Their clarity enhances the brightness of their colours, making them ideal for jewellery.

5. Fire Opal

While not commonly associated with play-of-colour, fire opals have a strong body colour in orange, red or yellow tones. These opals are mostly found in Mexico.

6. Common Opal

Also known as 'potch', common opals lack the play-of-colour that defines precious opal. However, they are still valued for their attractive solid hues, like pink, green, or blue.

Opal Mining and Ethical Sourcing

Opal mining in Australia is a vital industry that supports local communities and small-scale miners in remote locations like Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, Andamooka, and Mintabie, which have become synonymous with the gem itself. These rugged outback communities are rich in both character and treasure, built around generations of miners who have dedicated their lives to unearthing these dazzling stones.

Sourcing Australian opal is often done by small-scale miners and family-run operations using a combination of traditional hand-dug shafts and modern machinery. Unlike large-scale mineral extraction, opal mining typically has a lower environmental impact. Many miners work on small claims, and the nature of the industry supports independent prospectors, promoting regional employment and sustaining rural economies.

The Australian opal industry is known for ethical mining practices that prioritise environmental sustainability and fair labour. Choosing ethically sourced opal ensures that your gemstone purchase supports responsible trade and the preservation of natural opal fields for future generations. Reputable sellers often work directly with Australian miners who can trace the opal’s origin back to its source.

Raw Opal and Cutting

Raw opal—also known as rough opal—refers to opal that has not yet been cut or polished. Collectors and lapidaries often seek unpolished opals for their potential to become stunning gemstones. Cutting opal requires skill and precision, as the colour layers can be thin and fragile. The process includes sawing, shaping, sanding and finally polishing to bring out the stone's full beauty.

Opals mined in Australia are not only shaped into round or oval stones, but in more recent times freeform shapes or carved opals have become exceptionally popular, both for collection pieces and to be set into captivating fine quality gold and silver opal jewellery. However many gem enthusiasts also collect raw opals for their natural form, appreciating them as geological wonders straight from the earth.

Opal Cost and Value

Opal cost depends on several factors, including type, colour, pattern, body tone, clarity, size and origin. Black opals are generally the most valuable due to their rarity and intense colour play. White opals and crystal opals tend to be more affordable, making them accessible for all types of jewellery lovers—however an excellent quality, sizeable crystal or white opal can sill be expensive.

Some of the rarest opal stones can fetch tens of thousands of dollars per carat. On average, high-quality opals range from $100 to $5,000 per carat. Factors like ethical sourcing and skilled cutting also influence opal price.

Opals for Sale: What to Look For

When browsing opals for sale, consider the following:

Play-of-colour: Look for stones with strong, multi-directional flashes of colour.

Body tone: Darker tones (black opal) tend to enhance colour contrast.

Clarity: Fewer inclusions or cracks result in higher value.

Shape and cut: Oval cuts are most popular, but free-form shapes are also desirable.

Origin: Authentic, high end Australian opal often comes with a certificate stating the opal field location the stone was sourced from e.g. Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy

For investment or collection purposes, buying from reputable sellers who specialise in opals is key.

The Opal Collection: Jewellery and Beyond

An opal collection is a beautiful way to enjoy the natural beauty and colour of this unique gemstone. Whether in rings, pendants, earrings, or bracelets, opal jewellery stands out for its bright flashes of colour and one-of-a-kind charm. Every opal is different, which makes each piece feel special and personal.

You can choose from ready-made opal jewellery or loose opal stones to create your own custom piece. Jewellery designers love working with opal because of its amazing colours and patterns, and the unique freeform shapes that are popular today. Whether you're starting your opal collection or adding to it, these gemstones bring colour, beauty and meaning to any jewellery box.

Opal: The Stone of Light And Colour

Opal continues to enchant collectors, jewellers and spiritual seekers around the world. From its incredible colour play to its deep symbolic roots, the opal is truly a gift of the Earth. Whether you're seeking a meaningful birthstone, a striking jewellery centrepiece, or a stunning collector’s gem, opals offer beauty that goes beyond the surface.

With their rich history, natural wonder, and unmatched individuality, it’s no surprise that opals remain one of the most treasured gemstones in the world. Explore an opal collection, invest in a piece of raw opal, or find a breathtaking gem from a trusted source of opals for sale—and let the magic of opal the gemstone light up your world.

WHY BUY AN AUSTRALIAN OPAL FROM BLACK STAR OPAL?

Black Star Opal is your go-to online store for natural Australian opals and opal jewellery. We offer a wide range of beautiful opal gemstones in different colours and patterns, sourced straight from Australia’s famous opal fields. Whether you're shopping for a specific stone or a gift, we have something for every style and budget. Our helpful team is always ready to assist with any order—big or small.

We’re a family-owned business with strong ties to the opal industry since 1969. We began as Lightning Ridge opal miners and exporters, and today we also run The Opal Centre at the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. We work closely with local miners in Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy and Queensland, and team up with skilled jewellers to bring you high-quality opal pieces at fair prices.

Every order comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can shop with peace of mind. If you're not completely happy with your purchase or want to exchange it, we’re here to help. At Black Star Opal, we love helping people discover their perfect opal.

OPAL GEMSTONE DELIVERY INFORMATION

At Black Star Opal, we offer reliable global delivery on all orders. Enjoy free standard shipping on orders over AUD $200 and free express shipping on orders over AUD $1500. Every order also includes free postal insurance, protecting you against loss, theft or damage during delivery.

We ship through Australia Post with secure, trackable services. Within Australia, we use Standard or Express Post with tracking and optional signature. For international orders, we ship via International Standard or Express Air Mail, both with tracking and signature. Prefer FedEx? Just ask—we can arrange it for an extra fee based on your location.

You’ll get a tracking number by email once your order is shipped. Delivery usually takes 2–4 business days in Australia and around 2 weeks internationally. Delays may occur due to customs or global shipping issues beyond our control.

Before ordering, we recommend checking the Australia Post website for the latest delivery times. Customs clearance may vary by country, and you’re responsible for any local duties or taxes.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our friendly team—we’re always happy to help.

Read Less