Nique Australian Opals

Opals are Australia’s official national gemstone, they are a unique stone brimming with colour and history. Australia is one of the few locations around the world that holds the ideal geological, biological and climatic requirements for the sedimentary stone to form. Australian Opals account for 95 percent of the world’s opals with the most popular types of Australian Opals being Light Opals, Black Opals and Boulder Opals.

Light Opals are one of the most common types of opals, they are identified by their unique light tone ranging from translucent to a medium grey. Australian Light Opals are mined in South Australia, mainly from Mintabie, Coober Pedy and Andamooka. Light Opals also known as ‘milk’ or ‘white’ opals are identified by their light base colour. Because of their lighter tone they are often less vibrant in colour than black or boulder opals which have the advantage of a darker tone to enhance the spectral colours within the opal.

Australian Black Opals are mined in Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, more black opals have been produced in this location than anywhere else in the world. The unique dark background colour highlights the beautiful blue, green, red and orange tones in the forefront of the stone. The dark base colour of Black Opals ranges from black to dark grey as well as dark green and blue.

Australian Boulder Opals are prominently found in Central Queensland, they form in narrow voids and fractures of ironstone and can be dark or light in colour. A variety of Boulder Opals can also be found in South Australia where the host rock is quartzite. The contrast between the opal and its host rock make Boulder Opals especially unique and striking.

The value of an opal is determined by a number of factors including the clarity, cut, carat weight, origin and most importantly the play-of-colour. Play-of colour is the unique pattern of spectral colours that appear across the gemstone. The darker the opals base colour the stronger the contrast to the vibrant colours. The colour is dependent on the spheres that the opal contains, the smaller spheres diffract blue and purple toned colours while larger spheres showcase red and orange tones. Often there will be a combination of small and large spheres within an opal that diffract white light into an array and depth of colour.

Here at Nique Jewellery we appreciate the exquisite nature of Australian Opals in all varieties, shapes, colours and sizes. Every opal is unique which is why they make such magnificent statement gemstones for your next piece of jewellery. We believe they are the perfect choice for a truly bespoke piece of jewellery that will make you or your loved one feel like royalty.  Contact us to find out what amazing opals we have currently, or to meet and design the perfect opal jewellery for you.

 Danica - Master Jeweller - Nique Jewellery