What does a top gem black opal look like?

In all the time I have been dealing in opals from Lightning Ridge, I have seen some pretty amazing gemstones.

But don’t you think the term “top gem” has become a bit overused lately? eBay is awash with claims of having the best opal ever—'museum-grade' they like to say. Many who have drunk a bit too much PR Kool-Aid also use the term liberally—and I’m sure I’ve been guilty of it too!

In an age of overuse, is there such a thing as a top gem black opal? What does a top gem look like?

Here are the top four attributes:

1. Natural – not treated
2. Sedimentary (as opposed to xxx) also talk about hardness in comparison
3. Defined pattern
4. Bright colour – dominant blues and reds

Black opal is the most valued type of opal, but it must be untreated, natural, and sedimentary. The ultimate black opal showcases a combination of blue and red colors. These colors are at the ends of the spectrum — when silica spheres are perfectly stacked in a gem-quality opal.

These opals set the benchmark, allowing you to determine and compare value.