Black Opal

Add one script tag to your page:

<div data-gemfyi="entity" data-slug="black-opal"></div>
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/gemfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>

Embed as an iframe:

<iframe src="https://gemfyi.com/iframe/entity/black-opal/?style=modern&theme=light" width="420" height="400" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" style="border:0;border-radius:10px;max-width:100%"></iframe>

Paste the URL in WordPress, Medium, or Ghost:

https://gemfyi.com/ja/gems/black-opal/

Shields.io-compatible SVG badge:

Black Opal badge ![Black Opal](https://gemfyi.com/badge/entity/black-opal.svg)

Web Component:

<gemfyi-entity slug="black-opal"></gemfyi-entity>
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/gemfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
The most valuable and coveted variety of precious opal, black opal is set apart by a dark body tone, ranging from dark gray to jet black, that intensifies the spectral play-of-color dancing across its surface. Its premier source is Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, Australia, which yields stones showing vivid red, green, blue, and purple fire against a near-black background. An amorphous form of hydrated silica, it measures 6.0 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Top-grade Lightning Ridge material can exceed the per-carat value of diamond; though classed among the semi-precious gems and priced in the moderate tier, the finest examples reach well beyond it, for the darkness of the background is precisely what allows the opal's fire to read so saturated.

Physical & Optical Properties

Mohs Hardness 6.0 – 6.5
Specific Gravity 1.97 – 2.22
Refractive Index 1.37 – 1.47
Crystal System Amorphous
Luster Vitreous
Cleavage None
Fracture Conchoidal
Color white
Pleochroism Absent

Mohs Hardness

1 Talc 2 Gypsum 3 Calcite 4 Fluorite 5 Apatite 6 Orthoclase 7 Quartz 8 Topaz 9 Corundum 10 Diamond Black Opal
Mohs hardness of Black Opal shown against the ten reference minerals, from talc (1) to diamond (10).
Mohs Reference mineral Black Opal
1 Talc
2 Gypsum
3 Calcite
4 Fluorite
5 Apatite
6 Orthoclase
7 Quartz
8 Topaz
9 Corundum
10 Diamond

Crystal System

Value & Market

Price Tier Moderate ($50-500/ct)

About Black Opal

ブラックオパールは貴オパールの中で最も価値が高く珍重される変種で、暗色の体色を背景に虹色の遊色が際立つのが特徴です。オーストラリアのニューサウスウェールズ州ライトニングリッジが世界最高品質の産地として名高く、ダークボディは遊色をより鮮明に引き立てます。カラットあたりの価格はダイヤモンドに匹敵することもある最高級宝石の一つです。

Science FYI Family

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Black Opal?
ブラックオパールは貴オパールの中で最も価値が高く珍重される変種で、暗色の体色を背景に虹色の遊色が際立つのが特徴です。オーストラリアのニューサウスウェールズ州ライトニングリッジが世界最高品質の産地として名高く、ダークボディは遊色をより鮮明に引き立てます。カラットあたりの価格はダイヤモンドに匹敵することもある最高級宝石の一つです。
What is the hardness of Black Opal?
Black Opal has a Mohs hardness of 6.0 to 6.5, making it moderate for use in jewelry.
What color is Black Opal?
Black Opal is primarily White.
Where is Black Opal found?
Black Opal is found in Lightning Ridge (Australia).
How much does Black Opal cost?
Black Opal falls into the Moderate ($50-500/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.

More Semi-Precious Gems Gems