Opal

Australia is home to over 90% of the world’s opal supply due to its unique geology. Millions of years ago, an ancient inland sea covered much of central Australia, creating the perfect conditions for opal to form within sandstone and clay deposits as the water slowly evaporated.

No two opals are alike. Their signature play-of-color—a shifting dance of light and pattern—is entirely unique to each gem. Formed over millions of years, Australian opal is also among the most stable and durable, making it a rare combination of natural beauty and lasting strength.

Opal is often associated with emotional clarity, creativity, and transformation. Many believe it amplifies one’s inner truth and encourages expression. Because of its shifting colors, it’s also seen as a symbol of change and individuality.

Red is traditionally the rarest and most valuable color in opal, especially when it appears against a dark or black body tone. However, value is also influenced by pattern, brightness, clarity, and overall visual impact—not just color alone.

Genuine opal will show a natural, and usually a non-repeating pattern and depth within the stone. Imitations often look flat or overly perfect. At Black Opal Direct, all our opals are solid, natural Australian gems—never synthetics, doublets, or triplets. You can learn more about imitation and synthetic opals here.

There are five types: black opal, crystal opal, dark opal, white opal, boulder opal.

Black opal is the rarest and most valuable type, especially when it features vivid red play-of-color. Lightning Ridge in New South Wales is world-renowned for producing the finest black opals.

Opal is the birthstone for October. Known for its ever-changing play-of-color, it’s a fitting gem for those who appreciate individuality, mystery, and a bit of magic. Whether you’re marking a birthday or just love the gem, opal makes a meaningful and timeless gift.

It all comes down to the color. Precious opal displays a play-of-color—that beautiful shifting rainbow you see across the surface. Common opal, on the other hand, has no play-of-color and usually appears as a single, solid hue. Both are forms of opal, but only one puts on a colorful show.