How to Value Opal and Why It’s a Head-Scratcher

How to value opal isn’t as simple as checking a price tag—it’s a mix of science, experience, and a bit of gut instinct. No two opals are the same, which makes things tricky, but that’s also what makes them so special. If you’re keen to learn what separates an average opal
from a real gem, here’s what you need to know.

Body Tone & Brightness

The body tone of opal is its background color, ranging from pitch-black to milky white. The darker the background, the more the colors can pop, which is why black opals from Lightning Ridge are the cream of the crop. Then there’s brightness—how vivid the colors are when the light hits them. The brighter, the better. We do have an official brightness scale as a guide, but at the end of the day, the best opals look like they’re practically glowing from within.

Patterns

Some opals don’t just shine— they are an explosion of light and color. The way colors arrange themselves within the gem is called the pattern, and some are rarer (and pricier) than others. A rare pattern can take an opal from “nice” to jaw-dropping, making this one of the biggest factors in determining value.

Different Types of Opals

Australia is home to an incredible variety of opals, but these are the standouts

● Black Opal – Dark background, top-tier opal, with 98% found in Lightning Ridge.

● Crystal Opal – Translucent or see-through; can display deep, layered color, sometimes looking like “3D color on color,” as Justin calls it.

● Dark Opal – they’re not quite a black opal and they didn’t quite make it as a crystal opal. We’ll let you in on a little secret, dark opals are absolute winners for anyone who wants bang for their buck!

● White Opal – Lighter body tone, more common, but still be stunning.

● Boulder Opal – Formed in ironstone, mostly found in Queensland. A bit of a wild card but can have incredible patterns and some of the brightest color around.

Each type has its own personality, and knowing the difference can save you from overpaying or being misled about what you’re buying.

Rarity & Market Demand—Why Some Opals Cost More Than Others

Ever wonder why black opals command higher prices while white opals tend to be more budget-friendly? It all comes down to rarity. Color forms on white potch more often than on black, making black opals more desirable—and more expensive. Market trends also play a role. If a particular type of opal gains popularity, prices can rise quickly. That’s why knowing your stuff is key—you don’t want to pay top dollar for something subpar.

The Eye To Value Opal —Experience Is Everything

There’s no shortcut to valuing opals properly—you get better with experience, examining as many as possible. You can have all the charts and scales in the world, but at the end of the day, a trained eye can spot the inclusions and traits that affect value.

If you’re serious about opals, the best way to build your knowledge is to study as many as possible. Over time, you’ll start recognizing the subtle details that distinguish a good opal from an exceptional one.

Valuing opals is part science, part art, and part trusting your instinct. The more you see, the better you’ll become at spotting an absolute firecracker of a gem from a mile away. And if you find yourself staring at one for way too long, don’t worry—that’s just the magic of opal working its charm.

As the son of someone who is highly regarded in the industry, it’s been a very informative journey and without the resources I have had it would be difficult to see the same amount and calibre of opal. This is why I put the highest regard on the Black Opal Direct YouTube channel for the wealth of free accessible information on the opal profession.

-Saxon

Excited to learn more about the best gem in the world? Start here!