Black Opals are just one of the many varieties found in this intriguing and fantastic looking gemstone family which also includes white opals, boulder opals, fire opals, pink Peruvian opals, hyalite opals and many, many more.
Black Opals are one of the more well known varieties and, generally speaking, are the most valuable of them all.
Black Opal Colors
Black Opal is a slightly inaccurate name as a totally black opal would be pretty much worthless. The black refers to the material known as 'potch upon' which the precious and colorful Opal is formed.
With a contrasting deep dark background, the play-of-color phenomenon and its kaleidoscopic rainbow of colors can really stand out.
Unlike most gemstones it is the internal structure of the Black Opal that creates the color rather than the presence of certain minerals.
Precious opal material is comprised of millions of tiny spheres of different sizes and varying spaces between them. As light enters the stone, it bounces around and breaks up into the different colors - a bit like a prism - and reflects back out again.
Read more about gemstones colors here
Black Opal Species
Black Opals are just one of many types of opals found around the world. Some have the famous play-of-color while others appear in just a single color.
A of the more well-known ones include:
Black Opal Price
As with nearly all gemstones, it is the color of the Black opal that is the highest consideration when setting its price. However, there are a few more aspects to consider when it comes to opals:
- Coverage - how much of the gemstone surface shows color
- Contrast - a striking difference between the color and background will increase the value
- The color itself - red and orange colors are rarer and more expensive than blue or purple tones
- Patterns - certain recognized patterns of color such as Chinese Writing or Harlequin are much sought after
- Origin - Black Opals can be found in various location but those from Australia are the most expensive
Black Opals are all unique one-of-a-kind gemstones so individual choice will always play its part it deciding which is the best color or pattern for you.
Carat Weight
Once all the color factors have been taken into account we can then think about the carat weight. The vast majority of Black Opals are less than 10 carats in weight and anything bigger than that with good color and contrast will be very precious indeed.
It is best to choose your Black Opal based on the physical size - the length, width and height - rather than carat size. Also look at the roundness of the cabochon cut in your gemstone. Nice big domes can show off the color a lot better than flat versions.
The finest quality stock from Australia with bold bright colors can be hundreds of dollars per carat while the Black Opals from other parts of the world can be between $15 and $40 per carat.
Treatments
The big selling point of Black Opals is the contrast between the bright colors and the dark background. It is almost impossible to convincingly alter or replicate the play-of-color in an opal but to darken the background is not so hard. Smoking or a combination of sugar and heat can produce a deep colored base for the colors to be displayed.
All treatments received by any of our gemstones are clearly disclosed.
Where are Black Opals found?
Almost all Black Opals are mined in Lightning Ridge, a town in northern New South Wales in Australia while another source is Ethiopia in north east Africa.
What jewelry is Black Opal suitable for?
Black Opals have a rating of 5.5 to 6.5 on Mohs hardness scale. This makes them a little bit fragile for many types of jewelry items and not suitable for daily wear unless placed in protective settings.
Earrings, pendants, brooches are no problem and items such as cufflinks and tie pins make use of the deep masculine colors much admired in men's jewelry.
Birthstones and Anniversaries
Black Opals are the birthstone of October and would make a perfect gift for anyone who has a birthday in that month.
A Black Opal is the traditional gemstone gift for the 14th wedding anniversary.
