Black opal is one of the many fascinating varieties of opal available today and it is also one of the most popular varieties. In 2008, Australia officially recognized it and proclaimed opal stone to be the official state gemstone of New South Wales. Common opal was already the official gemstone representing all of Australia, as surprisingly almost all of the world opal stone supply is mined from New South Wales and 97% of all common opal comes from New South Wales. Australia. You can Buy Natural Black Opal (Rich Quality of Full Fires). Black opal is by far the most valuable and valued of all opal varieties, especially those from Australia famous Lightning Ridge. Often opal stones contain aspects of common opal which remain intact throughout production. Typically, common opal is strategically left at the back of finished opal stones. Common opal, called potch, actually enhances the body tone of black opal and accentuates the loud vibrancy of other colors that opal can radiate. It is due to black opals ability to display such vivid and intense colors that opal is considered the most valuable type of opal available today.

Identify Black Opal

Black opals are easily distinguished from common opals by their body color. However, identifying natural untreated opal from synthetic, lab-created, or treated opal can be nearly impossible without proper testing and lab equipment. As a general rule, if the black opal looks too colorful and too perfectly patterned, chances are it has been enhanced. Untreated natural black opal will usually always have flaws, which makes the stone unique.

Origin of Black Opal and Gemstone Sources

Almost all black opal is mined from northern New South Wales and the majority of it is mined specifically from Lightning Ridge. Lighting Ridge has become the world largest supplier of opal and mines incredible quantities of opal all year round. Other sources of black opal include Ethiopia, but Ethiopian opal is usually enhanced by a smoke treatment to darken the color of the body. No other origin or source can match the quality and color of Australian black opal.

Buying Black Opal and Determining Opal Gemstone Value

Black opal color

The opal black body tones range from dark gray to black, and the dark background serves as the basis for the spectrum of colors it can display. Despite its descriptive name, black opal can, in fact, encompass different colors. Top quality specimens can reflect the full spectrum of colors due to their unique play of color quality. opal contains subtle traces of iron oxide and carbonaceous elements, which are not found in common opal. These combined elements are responsible for creating the unique traits belonging to black opal. The dark web of opal results in much more vivid color distinction and reflection compared to other opal varieties. 

Clarity and luster of black opal

The clarity of black opal is usually translucent to opaque and almost all specimens will have inclusions visible to the eye such as spots or lines of potch (common opal). With opal, it is the presence of cracks that can render a specimen worthless. Crazing is due to the drying of the opal and this results in cracks or cracks reaching the surface. The black opal should have a wax-like luster, but at the same time it should not feel too plastic.

Black opal cut and shape

Generally, the shape and cut of a finished black opal will depend on the original rough opal. Black opals are most commonly cut in oval cabochons, but other shapes are also very popular, such as teardrops and trillion shapes. Most black opals are cut with low domes as they have rather thin color bars. If the opal color bar is too thin, it may not be possible to fashion a domed surface from the stone.

Black Opal Treatment

Australian black opal is usually untreated. Ethiopia is a major source of processed black opal. The treatment used on Ethiopian opal is an ancient method of smoking that allows the carbon to penetrate deep into the opal and enhance its color. There have been recently reported enhancements involving a combination of heat and sugar; the stones are soaked in a sugar solution and then soaked in sulfuric acid. They are then slowly heated to produce a darker body tone. Another treatment that has been discovered on some black opals is coating the gem. This is not as common as heating, but nonetheless, consumers should be aware of this possible enhancement, as well as the possibility of impregnation with a polymer, resin, or oil which is made to stabilize the opal.

Gemmological properties of black opal:

Gemstone varieties of black opal or other similar gemstones:

There are many varieties of opal available and all of them can be categorized as precious opal or common opal. Ammonite, labradorite, mother-of-pearl, and moonstone can sometimes be confused with opal.

Most popular gemstones and similar or related trade names:

Chocolate opal, boulder opal, fire opal, common opal, fire opal, white opal, opal in the matrix, and opal doublets are the most popular varieties of opal.

Lesser known gemstones and similar or related trade names:

Layer opal, agate opal, angel skin opal, wood opal, honey opal, hyalite, hydrophane opal, porcelain opal, moss opal, jelly opal, crystal opal, l Harlequin opal, opal triplets, girasol, prase opal, pipe opal, and wax opal are among the rarest varieties of opal available today.

Mythology & metaphysical and healing powers

According to an old Australian Aboriginal legend, the Creator descended from heaven on a rainbow and delivered a message of peace for all mankind. The stones that were near where his foot touched the ground suddenly came alive and began to sparkle - it was believed to be the birth of the opal stone. Opal stones are said to stimulate originality and creativity. Opals are porous stones and because they are porous they are quite absorbent. With the ability to absorb, they can pick up people thoughts and feelings and amplify their emotions. Black opals are carriers of powerful karma, representing justice and also offering protection to their wearers. Opal is also the official birthstone for October and those who wear opal can benefit from its many astrological powers. Disclaimer: The metaphysical and alternative healing powers and properties of crystals should not be taken as confirmed advice. If you have any health concerns, please consult a licensed practitioner. This information does not replace the advice of your physician and GemSelect does not warrant any claims or representations made. Gemselect can in no way be held responsible.

Jewelry Design Ideas

There are several advantages to buying Black Opal gemstones in bulk, rather than pre-made jewelry. Once a stone has been set, it is nearly impossible to know its actual quality as the setting often hides or obscures imperfections. Buying stones in bulk can also allow for more variety and better value than buying pre-made stock jewelry designs. Although a softer and more fragile stone, black opals are very often used in cabochon gemstone rings for men. Black opals have deep, dark colors that project masculinity and mystery. Black opals are ideal for all types of jewelry accessories such as pendants, earrings, brooches, men cufflinks, and tie clips. When wearing a black opal as a ring, it is recommended to choose a protective style setting such as a bezel design. Note: Buy colored gemstones by size, not by carat weight. Colored stones vary in size to weight ratio. Some stones are larger and some smaller than diamonds by weight in comparison.

Care and cleaning of black opal gemstones and jewelry