BLACK OPAL

Black opals are exceptionally rare in that they are known to form in only one place: Australia. In fact, most of the opals found on the continent are from the town of Lightning Ridge. This means that these gems form on a single pinpoint on the entire planet. While Australia makes up 90% of the world’s opal market, mining these gemstones ethically and responsibly is extremely important due to their rarity. Once they’re gone, they’re gone from the Earth for thousands of years.

It’s the very nature of Australia that causes black opals to form. Scientifically speaking, they are made from a solution of silicon dioxide and water. Water carries silica through the earth, depositing it in cracks and openings in the crust. The water evaporates, but the chemical deposit is left behind. Add pressure to years and years of this process and eventually an opal takes shape.

These gems are made even more rare by their elusiveness even to mining experts. There are no veins of the gems, nothing to give miners a best bet clue as to where to look. All a person can do is dig and hope for the best.

Black opals are actually not black. They have a natural backing to them called “potch” that gives them their dark body color. Against this backdrop, all the colors of the rainbow can dance in stunning patterns. Other gemstones get their color due to specific elements present at the time of formation.