Tiara Opals and Gems

This exquisite Lightning Dark Opal is a natural gemstone that showcases a stunning round shape with an ideal cut grade. Its eye-clean clarity and translucent transparency highlight the mesmerizing bi-colour/multicolour hues, making it a truly unique piece.

Key Features:

Vibrant colours and a beautiful pattern

100% natural gemstone with no treatments

Customizable shape and dimensions to fit your jewellery needs

Please Note:

Slight variations in measurements and weight may occur due to differences in scales.

Thickness measurements are typically taken at the stone's centre for finished pieces.

We are proud members of the Lightning Ridge Miners Association and prioritize 100% customer satisfaction. Feel free to contact us with any questions about our opals

Dark Opal Description:

Black/Dark Opal is the most prized and valuable variety of opal, known for its intense play-of-colour set against a dark or black body tone. This dramatic contrast creates a striking and mesmerizing visual effect, making black opal one of the most coveted gemstones in the world. Here’s a detailed breakdown of black opal:

Characteristics

Base Tone: The body tone ranges from dark Gray to jet black, providing the perfect background for the vibrant play-of-colour.

Play-of-Colour: The rainbow-like flashes of colour are caused by the diffraction of light within the microscopic silica spheres that make up the gemstone. Common colours include fiery reds, electric blues, greens, purples, and yellows.

Patterns: Black opals often display unique and intricate colour patterns such as harlequin (checkerboard-like), rolling flash, and pinfire.

Origin

Black opals are primarily mined in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia, the world’s most famous source for this gemstone. The opals from this region are renowned for their quality and depth of colour.

Value

Brightness: The brilliance and intensity of the colours significantly influence the gemstone's value. Bright, vivid, and evenly distributed colours are the most desirable.

Colour Range: Red is considered the rarest and most valuable colour in black opals, followed by orange, green, and blue.

Size and Shape: Larger, well-cut specimens fetch higher prices, especially if they have a symmetrical cabochon shape.

Rarity: Black opal is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth, further elevating its status and price.

Information

Black opal forms in ancient sedimentary layers where silica-rich solutions filled voids or cracks in the rock and solidified over millions of years. Its dark body tone is due to trace amounts of carbon and iron oxide present in the stone.

Uses in Jewellery

Black opal is highly prized for luxury jewellery pieces, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Its durability (Mohs hardness of 5.5–6.5) makes it suitable for occasional wear but requires careful handling to avoid scratches or damage.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, black opal is considered a stone of protection, creativity, and luck. It is believed to amplify emotions and stimulate the imagination, making it a favourite among artists and mystics.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning: Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners.

Storage: Store separately to prevent scratches.

Hydration: While black opals are more stable than lighter opals, they should be protected from extreme dryness or direct heat to avoid cracking.