A loose black opal refers to a gemstone that is not set in any jewelry. These include natural black opals, high-quality black opals, and even uncut black opals, offering versatility for customization and design.
What makes Australian black opals unique?
Australian black opals are renowned for their vivid play-of-color and dark body tone, making them the most valuable type of opal. Mined in areas like Lightning Ridge, these Australian black opals are often considered the pinnacle of black opal gems.
How do Ethiopian black opals differ from Australian black opals?
Ethiopian black opals are known for their unique patterns and vibrant colors. While Australian black opals have a more traditional dark body tone, Ethiopian black opals can feature translucent and fiery patterns.
What are semi-black opals and solid black opals?
Semi-black opals, also called gray or dark opals, have a medium-dark body tone, whereas solid black opals have a pure dark background that enhances their play-of-color. Both types are popular among collectors of black opal gems.
Are raw black opals and uncut black opals the same?
Yes, raw black opals and uncut black opals refer to opals in their natural, unpolished state. These loose black opals are ideal for those who want to shape or customize the stone themselves.
How do I care for my loose black opals?
To maintain the brilliance of your black opals, including solid black opals and semi-black opals, avoid exposing them to sudden temperature changes or harsh chemicals. Store them in a safe, moisture-controlled environment.
Why are black opals so valuable?
Black opals, especially high-quality black opals from Australia, are rare and known for their stunning play-of-color. Natural black opals and solid black opals with vivid color patterns are particularly prized among collectors and jewelers.
GemSelect Certified Store Reviews
GemSelect: Over 22 Years in the Gemstone Business! Thank you for trusting us with your purchase!
Overall Rating -> 9
It was great!
Posted By Annie in September, 2025
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 10
I've made several purchases through GemSelect in the past, although not within the last six months. Their gems are always beautiful and I have never had an issue with their prices or their stones. Even when I'm not buying, I love scrolling through their website, which is very user friendly. I especially appreciate being able to change the listing order to your own liking, such as most to least expensive, largest to smallest, etc. As with most online orders, however, I think the shipping charges are not commensurate with the actual weight of the items shipped.
Posted By DrLHS in November, 2024
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 10
there are a large number of gems to choose from i have ordered before and these objects are precious to me that my light reflect in them and fills the stones they are there when i need to reflect on life
Posted By Kickbass.2 in January, 2025
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 10
I found what I was looking for...had to look up millimeters to inches. It would be nice to see something, like a quarter, in the pix to show relative size. I plan on buy loose gemstones for every month in the calendar
Posted By TheP in January, 2025
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 10
I like the way your website shows us what stone were buying as well the easy way to navigate the site. also knowing the stones are real...
Posted By RED in January, 2025
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 9
I was looking for a small gift for a friend- the process is the same as every other time and was very simple, and she even got her gift early! On the downside, there's no way to easily keep track of multiple Shipping Addresses, so if I want to send a gift to Friend A and to Friend B, I have to overwrite everything and it's a fair bit clunky in that regard.
Posted By Jezzi in June, 2025
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 10
Good selection, using for custom jewlery for my wife.
Posted By Smitty in June, 2025
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 10
I really liked the email, and the link that help return me to the site. I didnt have access to my card info while checking out and I had to put my phone away so I lost the tab. Fortunately, since I did give an email- they sent me a link that brought me back to where I was. Greatly appreciated
Posted By Jag in January, 2025
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 10
I found exactly what I was looking for and ordered it. I like how you give information on the stones I'm buying. Glad I found you!
