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Opal Gemstones can be found globally but the largest supply of Opals come from Australia! Australian Opal takes up more than 90% of the world’s Opal supply. The 3 most prominent locations where Opal is sourced are Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge, and Opalton, Queensland Australia which is where our Opal Mine is located.

Each region is especially famous for a specific type of Opal and its rarity plays a part of the value as well. Coober Pedy is known for the infamous White Opal, Lightning Ridge for rare Black Opal and Opalton for stunning and strong Boulder Opal.

Then there is the difference between Common Opal (also known as Potch Opal) and Precious Opal. Knowing the difference can help determine the value of an Opal.

Common Opal is often the base of what Precious Opal forms on and is generally less expensive as it has a solid base color. Precious Opal offers a striking play of color due to the formed silica spheres when the light reflects against them.

Now that we have covered the main Opal hunting grounds in Australia along with the two different kinds of Opal (common and precious), let's take a look at the features of Precious Opal to get a better idea of its value.

There are a few key factors that influence the value of Precious Opal including color, play of color, pattern, body tone, brightness and which Opal field the Opal came from (among other factors).

When looking at an Opal Gemstone, the color within the precious gem is the first thing that usually stands out. Precious Opal is typically never a single color due to the bright play of colors. As we begin to value an Opal, we use the dominant color followed by any secondary colors. Gold and yellow are the rarest colors followed by red and orange making Opal Gemstones with these dominant colors the most valuable.

Along with the colors of an Opal, the pattern within an Opal also affects the value. Some of the most popular Opal patterns include Broad Flash, Rolling Flash, Pinfire Flash and the world famous Harlequin Pattern.

Other important identifying factors include the body tone and brightness of the Opal along with the shape of the Opal. For Boulder Opal Gemstones, the natural rock shape is most desirable. As mentioned earlier, the mining field where the Opal was sourced is important and natural Opal is always valued higher compared to treated Opal.

With 30 years of mining, wholesaling and retailing, Australian Opal Direct is miner and manufacturer direct to consumer providing the highest quality of natural genuine Opals at prices 40%-50% below retail.

At the heart of our passion lies the genuine delight we find in nurturing the enchanting world of the Opal Gemstone and sharing its mesmerizing magic with our cherished customers across the globe. Witnessing the transformative journey of these extraordinary gems, from their raw, untouched forms to the radiant masterpieces they become, fills us with a profound sense of joy. Our commitment extends beyond the transactional; it's a shared experience of discovery, appreciation, and awe.

As custodians of the Opal's unique allure, we take immense pleasure in cultivating a connection between these captivating gemstones and individuals worldwide. The Opal, with its kaleidoscopic play-of-color and inherent beauty, becomes a source of wonder and inspiration for those who wear it. Through our dedication to providing a seamless and enriching experience, we aim to not just offer a gemstone but to create lasting memories and connections.

In every opal, there's a story waiting to be told, and it is our privilege to be part of that narrative. The joy we derive from sharing the magic of Opal goes beyond geographical boundaries, uniting a global community of individuals who appreciate the rare and extraordinary. We are driven by the belief that the Opal Gemstone, with its mystical charm, has the power to bring joy, beauty, and a touch of magic to the lives of those who embrace it. With each Opal we share, we aim to illuminate the world with the brilliance and wonder that this remarkable gemstone imparts, creating a shared celebration of nature's artistry and the enduring allure of Opals.