Australian Opals

Australian opals: gemstones with stunning colors

Australian opals are known for their play of color, which changes with the light and viewing angle. Some display green and blue reflections, while others reveal flashes of red, orange or purple. Every stone is different.

Australia supplies approximately 95 % of the world's precious opal production. These gemstones formed over millions of years as silica-rich water seeped into cracks and cavities in rocks.

Where do Australian opals come from?

The main producing regions are located in three Australian states:

Lightning Ridge: in New South Wales, famous for its black opals with particularly vivid colors.

Coober Pedy: in South Australia, known for its white, light and crystal opals.

Mintabie: also in South Australia, known especially for its crystal opals with beautiful play of color.

Queensland: renowned for its boulder opals, which retain part of their natural host rock, usually ironstone.

How to choose an Australian opal

Colors: red, green or blue reflections can vary in intensity from one stone to another.
Brilliance: look for clearly visible colors, even when you move the opal slightly.
Pattern: some opals feature large patches of color, while others display small flecks or more intricate patterns.
Size: choose according to your project, whether it is a ring, a pendant or a collector's stone.

The price of a natural Australian opal depends mainly on its play of color, brightness, pattern, size and quality.

I particularly appreciate opals for their shifting colors. The same stone can look very different depending on the lighting. This is what makes choosing them so interesting.