The Uncut Gem Black Opal

When I first laid eyes on this 25-carat uncut opal from the Grawin Opal Field in Lightning Ridge, I knew it had potential. But I also saw serious risk; fractures, black spots, and a second hidden colour bar that could either produce a top gem or completely destroy the stone.

The Risk: Cut It and Lose It, or Play It Safe?

As any opal cutter knows, there’s always a trade-off when you're dealing with rough opal. This particular rub had a fracture in the back that would result in significant carat loss, and dark inclusions that could run right through the opal. The real gamble? A second colour bar sitting just beneath the surface. It could flip this rough into something extraordinary or force me to break it down into smaller, less valuable stones.

So I did what many cutters would do: I called friends and miners, hoping for advice. But everyone said the same thing 'don’t risk it'.

Curiosity Took Over

Still, something in me couldn’t let it go. If you’ve watched my cutting videos before, you know that once I start imagining the possibilities, it’s hard to walk away. Curiosity took the wheel, and despite all the warnings, I decided to go for it.

With some careful planning, a few deep breaths, and more than one coffee break, I began the cut.

The Result: A 16.82ct Natural Black Opal

The risk paid off. What emerged was a 16.82 carat gem black opal with incredible colour play from every angle. This stone is a perfect example of what Lightning Ridge is famous for: rich body tone, vibrant flashes, and all-natural beauty. As always, the opal is untreated, mined from the red earth of Australia, and completely one-of-a-kind.

Final Thoughts

Cutting opal is never predictable and that’s what makes it so exciting. This gem could have easily gone the other way, but trusting my gut (and maybe ignoring a bit of good advice) brought something truly special to life.

If you’re passionate about opal cutting, this is the kind of stone that keeps you coming back for more.