Australian Dark Opals

Dark to very dark body tones that provide a bold and dramatic background for the play-of-color. This rich body tone is a defining feature of dark opals.

Vivid and intense, often with deep blues, greens, and reds, creating a captivating contrast against the dark body tone. The play-of-color in dark opals is striking and mesmerizing.

Translucent to semi-transparent, allowing light to pass through the opal. This feature enhances the opal's brilliance and color display.

Commonly sourced from Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia, dark opals are often found in this region's opal mines, which are renowned for producing high-quality opals.

Dark opals are valued for their deep body tone and striking play-of-color, and they can be relatively rare, adding to their desirability among collectors and connoisseurs.

Mined from underground opal mines in Lightning Ridge and other opal mining regions, the extraction of dark opals involves careful and skilled mining practices.

Efforts are made to ensure ethical and sustainable mining practices in opal mining areas to protect both the environment and the miners involved in the process.

Dark opals are cut into various shapes, including oval and round, with cabochon cuts to accentuate their play-of-color. These cuts maximize the opal's visual appeal.

Dark opals are often left untreated to preserve their natural beauty and the integrity of their play-of-color.

To maintain their brilliance, dark opals should be protected from impacts and harsh chemicals. Cleaning with a soft cloth is recommended to keep them in top condition.

Dark opals are often set in silver or gold settings to enhance their striking play-of-color and create exquisite jewelry pieces.

The price of dark opals varies based on the quality of their play-of-color and body tone, with top-quality stones being highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

Gemological certificates can confirm the authenticity and quality of dark opals, providing assurance to buyers.

Dark opals have been revered for their captivating contrast and have been associated with various myths and legends, making them historically significant gemstones.

Dark opal is not typically a traditional birthstone but is often chosen for its unique beauty and symbolism.

Dark opals are associated with various zodiac signs due to their intense and contrasting play-of-color, making them a meaningful choice for astrology enthusiasts.

Dark opals are frequently used in custom jewelry designs to emphasize their bold contrast and create one-of-a-kind pieces.

Prices of dark opals may fluctuate based on supply and demand, but top-quality dark opals remain highly sought after in the market due to their exceptional beauty and rarity.