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Boulder Opal

Born in the wilds of Queensland, with vibrant veins of color running through their natural ironstone host, boulder opals are raw, rugged, and unmistakably unique. Each one is a little slice of the Australian outback—untamed and full of character.

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18.92 ct boulder opal 26x11.8x4.9mm18.92 ct boulder opal 26x11.8x4.9mm
26.68 ct boulder opal 29x22.5x6.3mm26.68 ct boulder opal 29x22.5x6.3mm
Sale price$5,000.00 USD
5.51 ct boulder opal 13.8x10.7x4.1mm5.51 ct boulder opal 13.8x10.7x4.1mm
Sale price$4,000.00 USD
6.02 ct boulder opal 17.6x10.1x3.7mm6.02 ct boulder opal 17.6x10.1x3.7mm
8.17 ct boulder opal 15.6x11.7x4mm8.17 ct boulder opal 15.6x11.7x4mm
Sale price$1,800.00 USD
14.17 ct boulder opal 21.3x18.3x4.1mm14.17 ct boulder opal 21.3x18.3x4.1mm
Sale price$1,200.00 USD
12.07 ct boulder opal 17.6x11.9x4.5mm12.07 ct boulder opal 17.6x11.9x4.5mm
23.65 ct boulder opal 20.5x20.4x6.3mm23.65 ct boulder opal 20.5x20.4x6.3mm
Sale price$2,200.00 USD
17.14 ct boulder opal 23.8x20x4.5mm17.14 ct boulder opal 23.8x20x4.5mm
Sale price$1,100.00 USD
12.44 ct boulder opal 23.9x16.3x4.7mm12.44 ct boulder opal 23.9x16.3x4.7mm
Sale price$1,200.00 USD
7.97 ct boulder opal 17.9x12.3x4mm7.97 ct boulder opal 17.9x12.3x4mm
Sale price$1,500.00 USD
5.78 ct boulder opal 13.9x13.7x3.1mm5.78 ct boulder opal 13.9x13.7x3.1mm
5.37 ct boulder opal 17.9x11.6x3.4mm5.37 ct boulder opal 17.9x11.6x3.4mm
Sale price$4,500.00 USD
26.24 ct boulder opal 32x21.5x6.3mm26.24 ct boulder opal 32x21.5x6.3mm
Sale price$1,200.00 USD
24-24-124.24 ct boulder opal 25.1x24.7x5.1mm
Sale price$3,500.00 USD
18-6918.69 ct boulder opal 29x15x5.3mm
Sale price$1,200.00 USD
2-06-12.06 ct boulder opal 12.5x8x3.2mm
Sale price$500.00 USD
1-09-11.09 ct boulder opal 10.2x5.3x2.4mm
3-132.23 ct boulder opal 11.1x8.6x2.9mm
2-902.90 ct boulder opal 12.7x8.7x3.8mm
2-23-22.23 ct boulder opal 11.6x7.5x3.4mm
Sale price$1,400.00 USD
16-54
3-88-13.88 ct boulder opal 17.4x6.3x3.7mm
2-832.83 ct boulder opal 14.4x6.2x5.1mm
Sale price$1,300.00 USD
1-04-11.04 ct boulder opal 8.7x4.7x2.4mm
Sale price$600.00 USD
3-08-33.08 ct boulder opal 10.3x9.4x3.7mm
Sale price$4,000.00 USD
1-11-11.11 ct boulder opal 7.1x5.8x2.6mm
Sale price$800.00 USD
2-60-12.60 ct boulder opal 10.4x6.9x4.1mm

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Australian Boulder Opal

Boulder opal is one of the most distinctive and character-rich varieties of Australian opal, found exclusively in the rugged outback of Queensland. Unlike other types of opal that form in nodules or seams, boulder opal develops within ironstone boulders, where thin veins of opal fill natural cracks and cavities in the host rock.

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Frequently asked questions

Boulder opal is the pride of Queensland. Found only in this state, the field stretches from Winton in the north to Yowah in the south. Boulder opal is characterized by its host rock - usually ironstone or sandstone.

The opal appears as a layer or vein of opal upon the host rock. The host rock is usually a brown coloration. Boulder opals are often cut in free form and irregular shapes. Australian boulder opal is very popular with designers looking to work with asymmetrical gems and they lend themselves to a very modern aesthetic.

Boulder opals are also known for their ability to mimic scenes. We call them picture stones as they often look like a landscape with movement and color. Additionally, because boulder opals are veins of color, the natural fault line is often through the color. This results in the boulder piece splitting in two and showing two faces of opal - which can often be so similar as to make a pair of gems - perfect for earrings! Boulder opal is unique to Australia.