Black opals are considered one of the rarest of gemstones. The name refers to its dark body color which can also be dark gray, flecked with colorful galaxies that seem to play in the light. The opal is the national gemstone of Australia, with 95% of the world’s opals coming from the Australian continent. It is said that the name opal came from the Greek word ‘Opallios’ which means to see a change of color.
Interestingly, opals are formed from rain and usually contain 10-20% water. As the water runs down through the earth, it collects in the cracks inside rocks. Most of the water then evaporates and forms a silica deposit that eventually turns into opal. When opal is cut for jewelry, much care is taken to emphasize the play of color that is so unique to this stone, and no two opals can ever be alike.
Loose Black Opal Gemstones
Mohs hardness: 5.5 – 6 / 10
You will also like: black agate and onyx
Looks great set in: yellow gold / white gold / rose gold / platinum / silver
