Opal types
Posted by Australian Opal Direct on 20th Dec 2023
Navigating the world of opals can be an intricate journey, marked by a multitude of types and variations that might seem overwhelming to comprehend fully. At Australian Opal Direct, we recognize the complexity inherent in the opal market and aim to simplify the process for our customers. Our curated collection encompasses a diverse array of opals, allowing you to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the nuances that differentiate each type. Below, we provide a high-level overview of key aspects related to the Precious Opal Gemstone, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of opals.
Boulder opal
Originating from the opal-rich fields of Queensland Boulder Opal emerges as a testament to the captivating marriage between vibrant opal and robust ironstone. Unlike other types of Australian Opal, Boulder Opal is distinguished by its unique strength, owing to the seamless integration with ironstone—a process that unfolds over the expanse of millions of years. This dynamic interplay between opal and ironstone results in a gemstone with unparalleled durability and visual appeal.
Black opal
Black Opal a mesmerizing gemstone hailing from the renowned region of Lightning Ridge, stands out for its distinctive dark body color, setting it apart in the realm of Australian Opals. The deep, enigmatic hues of Black Opal create a captivating backdrop, serving as the perfect canvas for the vibrant and luminous opalescent colors that dance across its surface. This inherent contrast between the dark body and the brilliant flashes of color is what lends Black Opal its unparalleled allure, making the vivid hues truly pop with an extraordinary intensity.
White opal
White Opal distinguished by its milky and translucent body tone, represents a captivating facet of the vast spectrum of Australian Opal. Predominantly sourced from the renowned opal mining region of Coober Pedy in South Australia, this variety holds a special place in the opal family. With its distinct white hue, White Opal is not only one of the most prevalent but also among the most easily recognizable forms of Australian Opal.
where the opalescent colors contrast vividly against a darker base, White Opal offers a softer, more ethereal display. The white body tone serves as a subtle canvas for the mesmerizing interplay of colors, creating a harmonious and graceful aesthetic.
To learn more about which Opal Fields the Opals featured on our website are from, please click the “more section” underneath the item description.
In the world of Australian opals, the diversity extends beyond locations to encompass various cutting and setting techniques employed in opal jewelry. Opals can be fashioned into different forms, each with its own unique characteristics. The three primary cutting and setting methods are Solid Opal, Doublet Opal, and Triplet Opal.
A Solid Opal refers to a complete, unaltered piece of opal with no additional layers. This cut showcases the opal in its purest form, allowing the natural play of colors to take center stage.
On the other hand, a Doublet Opal is created by adhering a thin layer of precious opal onto a dark backing material, often black potch or ironstone. This enhances the vibrancy of the opal's colors while providing support to the delicate gemstone.
A Triplet Opal takes the process a step further. It involves the addition of a transparent capping, typically made of glass or quartz, to protect the delicate opal layer. This not only adds durability but can also magnify the play of colors within the opal.
To delve deeper into the nuances of these various opal cuts and settings, we invite you to click here, where you can explore each technique in detail. Understanding these distinctions allows you to make an informed choice when selecting the perfect piece of Australian opal jewelry, ensuring that it aligns with your preferences and captures the unique allure of these extraordinary gemstones.
Australian Opal Direct offers custom designed Opal jewelry reflecting the unique characteristics of each individual rare gemstone. From mining to wholesaling to exporting and retailing, we have over 30 years of experience in the Opal industry. Our location, close to the source and direct from the Australian Opal Mines allows us to provide the best possible Opal Gem at the most competitive price. Additionally, our hand selected designers feature cutting edge design work and craftsmanship setting the most innovative trends for the Opal industry around the world!
Embark on a journey of discovery as you delve into our exclusive collections, each crafted to showcase the unparalleled majesty of Mother Nature herself. With 30 years of dedicated experience, we bring you a curated selection of exquisite pieces that capture the essence of natural beauty. Our collections are a testament to the artistry that emerges from the intricate dance between time, geological processes, and the Earth's inherent splendor.
