Buy black opal

Black opal – the dark one among the precious opals

Black opal belongs to the group of Precious opals . Precious opals are characterized by their iridescent colors. Many different colors can appear on a stone, creating unique patterns. Below these colors is the basic color, also called “body color”. In the case of black opals, this basic color is very dark to black.

Opalescent black opal

Many different colors shimmer on the dark potch (Australian expression for opal without play of colors). This play of colors is also called opalizing. It is created by tiny spheres of silica that diffract light. In addition to the black opal, you can also buy opalescent opals with other basic colors in stores. Popular opals include the Boulder opal and the white opal .

The most valuable among 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 come mainly from Australia

The black opal is mainly found in Australia. There you can find it mainly in the states of New South Wales and Victoria.

Other localities are in South Australia, Mexico, Nevada, the USA and Indonesia. Especially in South Australia you can find the black crystal opal in addition to the black opal. This is more transparent than the black opal.

Usage: black opal for jewelry

Black opal from the Igneous gem shop is ideal for processing into unique pieces of jewelry. A skilled goldsmith or jeweler can highlight the unique play of colors on the black background. Creativity knows no limits.

The stone can be combined with diamonds or other colored gemstones. However, the opalization also comes into its own 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 Opals the black opal is loud too American Gem Society Birthstone of October. It is therefore ideal as a special birthday present for those born in October.

Black opals: gemstones of medium hardness

Black opal has a hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the ten-level hardness scale according to Carl Friedrich Mohs. The hardness scale has existed since the beginning of the 19th century and indicates the hardness of minerals. With a hardness of 1, talc is the softest mineral, while diamond, with a hardness of 10, is the hardest. The hardness of the 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 comes into its own. The shapes range from round to oval to square. Free forms are also included Opals very popular.