What exactly is play of color? Is it unique to opal—and how can you tell? This week, Justin dives into what play of color means across different gemstones, and why opal’s version is truly one of a ...
Justin’s back this week and he’s got something on his mind… welcome to the opal color rant. In the early days of opals discovery, when someone stumbled across a gorgeous gem that resembled a rainb...
I’ve been cutting some new nobby rough opal from Lightning Ridge. I thought it be good to share some of the unique features of these type of formations. I’ve selected an example to work on in the i...
Sometimes the universe reveals itself in the most unexpected places. This opal holds a tiny nucleus at its base, radiating outward like the moment of creation—the Big Bang. The imagery this opal...
The rough and unpolished gem weighs a massive 568.69 carats and measures 95 x 59 x 25 mm. For more on the origin and story visit the Part 1 post. Next week, we will reveal the equally amazing stor...
The Eternal Flame – The World’s Rarest Opal A mammoth 568 carats “The Eternal Flame” is the largest and most significant black crystal ever found. What makes it even rarer is its origin. The volcan...
It’s not often we are dumbstruck when it comes to opal but this one had us FLOORED. Recently discovered and mined by a long time friend in Lightning Ridge this opal represents a once in a lifetime ...
There are a few different types of opal. We thought it was time to create a guide, outlining opal types which will in turn help you understand the true value of opal. Black Opal Black opal is the...
Want to learn about opal types? This is the video for you. It’s all well and good to see an image of an opal pattern, but in order to really understand them, you must be able to see it move and eme...