Black Opal – the dark one among the precious opals
Black Opal belongs to the group of precious opals. Precious opals are characterized by their shimmering colors. Many different colors can appear on one stone, creating unique patterns. Underneath these colors lies the base color, also called the “body color”. In black opals, this base color is very dark to black.
Opalescent black opal
On the dark potch (Australian term for opal without a play of colors) many different colors shimmer. This play of colors is also called opalescence. It is caused by tiny silica spheres that refract light. In addition to black opal, opalescent opals with other base colors can also be found on the market. Popular opals include boulder opal and white opal.
The most valuable of the precious opals
black opal is found very rarely. In addition, the bright colors are particularly effective on the black base color. Its rarity in combination with the good color quality makes it a very valuable and expensive gemstone.
Black opals mainly come from Australia
Black opal is mainly found in Australia. There it is found mainly in the states of New South Wales and Victoria.
Other sites are located in South Australia, Mexico, Nevada, in the United States and Indonesia. Especially in South Australia, the black crystal opal can be found in addition to the black opal. This is more transparent than the black opal.
Use: Black Opal for Jewelry
Black Opal from the Igneous Gemstone Shop is ideal for crafting into unique pieces of jewelry. A skilled goldsmith or jeweler can accentuate the unique play of colors on the black background. There are no limits to creativity.
The stone can be combined with diamonds or other colored gemstones. However, the opalescence is also accentuated when the black opal is used alone. It can be made into rings, bracelets or necklaces. Settings with silver, white or yellow gold are suitable for this.
Like all opal stones, black opal is the birthstone of the month of October according to the American Gem Society. It is therefore an ideal special birthday gift for those born in October.
Black opals: gemstones of medium hardness
Black opal has a hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the ten-point Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The scale has existed since the beginning of the 19th century and indicates the hardness of minerals. Talc is the softest mineral with a hardness of 1, while diamond is the hardest with a hardness of 10. The hardness of black opal is slightly above the middle.
The most common cuts: cabochon
Black opal is usually cut into smooth cabochons. This is how the play of colors is best shown to advantage. The shapes range from round to oval to square. Free forms are also very popular with opal.
