Black Opal
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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
Category
Semi-Precious Gems
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
| 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)
Where to Buy Black Opal
Blue Nile
Fine jewelry retailer
James Allen
Gemstone jewelry
Brilliant Earth
Ethically sourced gems
Amazon
Wide selection
Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
About Black Opal
黑蛋白石是蛋白石中最珍贵的品种，以其深黑色至深灰色的基色（胎色）为背景，展现出极为绚丽的变彩效果。黑色背景使得变彩中的红、橙、绿等色彩更为鲜艳夺目。澳大利亚新南威尔士州的闪电岭是世界上黑蛋白石最重要的产地，其出产的顶级黑蛋白石价格堪比钻石，是当今最珍贵的宝石之一。
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Black Opal?
黑蛋白石是蛋白石中最珍贵的品种，以其深黑色至深灰色的基色（胎色）为背景，展现出极为绚丽的变彩效果。黑色背景使得变彩中的红、橙、绿等色彩更为鲜艳夺目。澳大利亚新南威尔士州的闪电岭是世界上黑蛋白石最重要的产地，其出产的顶级黑蛋白石价格堪比钻石，是当今最珍贵的宝石之一。
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.