Truth About Coober Pedy Opal

Recently, I’ve heard that some people on the outer edges of the opal industry have been putting words in my mouth saying that I don’t buy or sell Coober Pedy opal because it cracks, or that it’s somehow unsaleable. That’s simply not true.

In an industry like opal, knowledge comes from years in the field, at the wheel, and at the cutting bench. Rumours are often started by those who don't have hands-on experience.

So let me set the record straight.

I actually love Coober Pedy opal — and Andamooka too. I’ve seen some absolutely beautiful material come out of those mining areas. Bright whites, crystal opal with incredible translucency, and gems that glow with vibrant reds, greens, and blues. Contrary to what some people say, these types of opal are very popular and highly sought after around the world.

Coober Pedy vs Lightning Ridge

Coober Pedy is famous for its white and crystal opal. Lightning Ridge, where I’ve spent most of my life working, is known for black opal.

Both fields produce stunning gemstones but they’re just different.

• Coober Pedy & Andamooka: They are known for lighter body tones (white, milky, and crystal material). These gems can display brilliant color play, often with a soft brightness.

• Lightning Ridge: They are famous for dark body tones (grey to jet black) which can make the colors appear more intense and dramatic.

The difference isn’t about one being better than the other. It’s about body tone and character. A dark body tone makes colour pop differently than a white body tone. Some customers prefer the bold contrast of black opal. Others love the clean, bright glow of white or crystal opal.

There is room and strong demand for both.

Why I Focus on Black Opal

The reason I don’t deal heavily in Coober Pedy material has nothing to do with quality or stability. It comes down to focus.

My father and I never travelled to Coober Pedy or Andamooka to mine. We concentrated on Lightning Ridge. That’s where we built our knowledge. That’s where we learned the fields, the seams, nobbies, the levels, the risks, and the rewards.

There’s a saying in business: Find your niche and go deep.

That’s exactly what we’ve done. We concentrate on black opal because that’s what we know inside and out. We understand the fields of Lightning Ridge — which areas are productive, which to avoid, how the material behaves when cutting, and how to maximise the beauty in each gem. That depth of experience matters.

Respect for All Opal Fields

I’ll be the first to say I don’t know Coober Pedy the way I know Lightning Ridge. I haven’t worked those fields firsthand like I have here. But I absolutely know beautiful opal when I see it.

Good opal is good opal — whether it comes from Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, or Andamooka. Each field has its own personality, its own structure, and its own magic.

The idea that Coober Pedy opal is “unsaleable” is simply wrong. There are incredible opals coming out of those fields, and they are loved by collectors and jewelry buyers worldwide.

At the end of the day, this industry should be about appreciation, knowledge, and respect. And from my experience, Australia as a whole produces the finest opal in the world.