Do you remember how it felt the first time you beheld something really breathtaking? It’s as if everything in your life suddenly falls into place perfectly. That is the effect of a black opal’s otherworldly beauty!
Here’s some breaking news: Black opal gems are very rare. Regardless, their stunning dark beauty will more than make up for their seeming scarcity; and you will soon discover that quite a few are floating about someplace.
Moreover, these rocks are also jam-packed with many benefits – so why wait? Keep reading below to find everything we know about these fascinating stones!
What is a Black Opal Gemstone & Where To Find It
A black opal gemstone is a type of opal with dark body color. Black opals are very rare and difficult to find. In fact, their rarity makes them more valuable than diamonds. The Lightning Ridge area of Australia is the principal source to discover high-quality black opals, making the stones very pricey.
Curious to know the meaning of the black gemstone? The black opal gemstone symbolizes strength and stability. It also fosters your ability to think outside the box and your intuitive faculties.
The history of black opal gemstones often traces back to Ethiopia. Legend has it that a trainer in Australia in the 19th century brought the stone.
What Does a Black Opal Look Like: Color & Properties
Prized for their dark body and bright flashes of color, black opals are truly unique. But what do they look like?
Most black opals have a dark body color, often a deep blue or green. But the term “black opal” can refer to any opal with dark body color. It gets its unique coloring from the presence of iron oxide. The darkness of the body color makes the flashes of color stand out even more. And it’s these flashes of color that make black opals so desirable.
The colors of black opals can range from every color of the rainbow. But the most prized black opals have a vivid red flash, known as a “fire opal.” Black opals with green, blue, or purple flashes are also highly valued.
Opals are known to be quite brittle, but black opals are actually quite tough. This is due to their high density, which makes them less likely to crack or chip. Other physical properties of black opal include:
- A refractive index of 1.37-1.40
- A Mohs hardness scale value between 5.5 and 6.5
- A specific gravity of 2.15-2.60
How Much is Black Opal Gemstone Worth: Price Per Carat
Black opal’s value can vary depending on the type of black opal in question. The three different types of black opals are Boulder opal, Lightning Ridge opal, and White Cliffs opal.
Typically found in Australia, Boulder opal is the most frequent kind of black opal. The value of Boulder opal ranges from $50 to $250 per carat.
Lightning Ridge is the rarest type of black opal found only in Lightning Ridge, Australia. Lightning Ridge opal’s per-carat value may range from $500 to $2,000.
Opals mined at White Cliffs, Australia, are the third kind of black opal. White Cliffs opal is worth between $100 and $1,000 per carat.
In general, black opals are worth more than other types of opals because they are much rarer. The value of a black opal also depends on its color, clarity, and carat weight.
Some Benefits of Wearing the Black Opal Gemstone
There are a plethora of alleged positive astrological benefits of black opal gemstones. Here are some of the most commonly cited benefits:
- The black opal is said to help balance the energies of the body, mind, and spirit and promote psychic awareness and clairvoyance. They are also helpful in promoting healing on all levels.
- Some people believe that black opal may act as a barrier against evil spirits when worn.
- The black opals are said to help attract good luck, abundance, love, and passion.
- Legend has it that using black opal jewelry may inspire new ideas and fresh perspectives.
Maintenance Instructions for Black Opal Gemstones
As with any precious jewelry, black opals require some special care to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips on how to take care of your black opal ring or jewelry to keep it shining:
- Avoid exposing your black opal to harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia. These can damage the stone’s surface.
- Don’t wear your black opal jewelry while swimming, showering, or doing other activities where it could get wet. Water can also damage the stone.
- Be careful not to drop or hit your black opal against hard surfaces, as this can damage the stone.
- Store your black opal jewelry in a soft, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Clean your black opal jewelry periodically with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives.
Buying Advice for Black Opal Gemstone and Jewelry
When shopping for black opal gemstones, black opal rings, and jewelry, keeping the “Four Cs” in mind is crucial to ensure you get the best quality gems for your money. The “Four Cs” of black opal gems stand for carat weight, color, clarity, and cut.
Carat weight is how a black opal gemstone is measured and the stone’s size. The body tone (the primary color of the stone) and the play-of-color (the secondary color flashes that move across the stone as you tilt or turn it) are the base for evaluating the black opal’s overall color quality.
On a scale from flawless to included, black opal clarity describes the absence or presence of flaws or inclusions. The black opal gemstone’s cut is how well the stone has been cut and consists of the height, depth, angles, and other factors.
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FAQs
When water penetrates crevices in the rock, it brings silica deposits that eventually harden into black opals. Over time, these deposits form layers that make the black opal.
To determine if an opal is genuine, check to see if the opal has a play-of-color. Play-of-color describes how an opal’s colors seem to change and move when viewed from different angles. The opal is probably not real if you don’t see any play of color.
Another way to tell if an opal is genuine is to look at its shape. Real opals are usually irregular in shape, while fake opals are often perfectly round. Finally, natural black opals are typically translucent, while faux opals are often opaque. If you can’t see through the opal, it’s probably not real.
While jewelry is the most typical use for black opal, it also has decorative and functional uses, including inlay work and carved figurines.
A Stunning Black Opal Gemstone, Anyone?
So, what’s the verdict? Is black opal gemstone worth its high price tag? In a word – yes!
Black opals offer an incredible array of colors and benefits that no other gemstone can match. If you are looking for a show-stopping piece of jewelry that will make you feel like royalty, we highly recommend investing in a beautiful black opal.
Let us know in the comments below if you have ever had the pleasure of owning one (or more!).
