Different Types of Opal: Exploring Australia's Natural Treasure
Australia is known as the opal capital of the world, producing over 90% of the world’s opals. This unique gemstone is renowned for its vibrant play-of-colour and is highly sought after by jewellery enthusiasts and collectors alike.
With various types of opals found across Australia, each variety has its unique characteristics, origins and appeal. Let’s explore the different types of opal, where they are found and what makes them special.
1. Black Opal
Where It’s Found: Lightning Ridge, New South Wales
Black opal is the rarest and most valuable type of opal, characterised by its dark body tone, which provides a striking contrast to its vivid play-of-colour. Found exclusively in the Lightning Ridge region of New South Wales, black opals display a range of colours, including red, green, blue and purple. The dark base enhances the intensity of these hues, making black opals highly prized in the jewellery market.
What Makes It Unique:
Deep, dramatic body tone with vibrant colours
Often features patterns like harlequin, pinfire and ribbon
Limited geographical availability adds to its rarity
2. White/Light Opal
Where It’s Found: Coober Pedy, South Australia
White opals, also known as light opals, have a milky or pale body tone with softer play-of-colour compared to black opals. Coober Pedy, often referred to as the "Opal Capital of the World," is the primary source of white opals. These opals are more abundant than black opals, making them more accessible while still retaining their beauty.
What Makes It Unique:
Subtle, pastel-like play-of-colour
Ideal for those who prefer understated elegance
Often found in a variety of sizes and qualities
3. Boulder Opal
Where It’s Found: Queensland (Winton, Quilpie, and Koroit)
Boulder opals are formed within ironstone boulders, with the opal displaying vibrant colours set against the natural brown ironstone matrix. These opals are found in Queensland, particularly in regions like Winton, Quilpie, and Koroit. Boulder opals are unique because they often feature intricate patterns and are left partially embedded in the ironstone for dramatic contrast.
What Makes It Unique:
Strong, vibrant play-of-colour against the earthy ironstone
Known for its durability and resistance to cracking
Each piece is distinct due to its natural matrix patterns
4. Crystal Opal
Where It’s Found: Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy and Andamooka
Crystal opals are semi-transparent to transparent, allowing light to pass through the stone. This characteristic enhances the brilliance and depth of its play-of-colour, making it one of the most visually striking types of opal. Crystal opals can be found in multiple locations, including Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy and Andamooka.
What Makes It Unique:
Clear to translucent body enhances colour vibrancy
Versatile for use in various types of jewellery
Often considered a bridge between black and white opals
5. Matrix Opal
Where It’s Found: Andamooka, South Australia
Matrix opals occur when opal forms within the pores or structure of the host rock, creating a pattern where the opal and the rock are interwoven. Andamooka in South Australia is well known for producing beautiful matrix opals. These opals are often treated to enhance their colour, resulting in vivid, striking gemstones.
What Makes It Unique:
Unique patterns of opal dispersed within the host rock
Treated varieties offer intensified colours
Known for its artistic and natural look
6. Fire Opal
Where It’s Found: Rare in Australia (some found in Queensland)
Fire opals are distinguished by their warm hues of yellow, orange, and red, often without the play-of-colour seen in other opals. While not as common in Australia, some deposits have been found in Queensland. These opals are named for their fiery tones rather than their origin.
What Makes It Unique:
Vibrant, warm colours with or without play-of-colour
Offers a distinctive aesthetic compared to traditional opals
Often used in bold, contemporary jewellery designs
7. Andamooka Opal
Where It’s Found: Andamooka, South Australia
The Andamooka region produces various types of opals, including white, crystal, and matrix opals. The stones from this area are known for their diversity and often require treatment to enhance their colour. Treated Andamooka matrix opals can exhibit a black opal-like appearance, making them a versatile and affordable option.
What Makes It Unique:
A wide variety of opal types from one location
Treated matrix opals mimic the appearance of more expensive black opals
A rich mining history dating back to the 1930s
8. Common Opal
Where It’s Found: Various regions in Australia
Common opals, also known as "potch," lack the play-of-colour that defines precious opals. They are often opaque and come in a range of colours, including white, grey, pink, and green. While not as visually striking, common opals are still valued for their soothing hues and are often used in carving or cabochons.
What Makes It Unique:
No play-of-colour, focusing on natural pastel shades
Often used for ornamental purposes
Abundant and more affordable than precious opals
Why Australian Opals Are So Special
Australia’s opal fields are unmatched in terms of quality, variety, and quantity. The harsh and unique geological conditions of the country have created the perfect environment for opal formation. Each region’s opals reflect the distinct character of its landscape, from the deep black opals of Lightning Ridge to the vibrant boulder opals of Queensland.
Conclusion
Australian opals are a true testament to the country's natural beauty and geological wonder. Each type has its unique charm, from the rare and valuable black opal to the intricate patterns of boulder opals. Whether you’re a collector, a jewellery enthusiast or simply an admirer of nature’s creations, understanding the different types of opal and their origins adds a new layer of appreciation for these remarkable gemstones.
If you’re looking for exquisite opal rings, pendants or earrings that showcase the best of Australia’s treasures, explore our collection at Evert Fine Jewellery and find the perfect piece to add to your collection.