Australian Opal: Supplied Worldwide

Australian opal is a colorful creation of nature that will dazzle your eyes. Worn and collected by people all over the world, Australian opal is a gem that you will want to add to your gemstone/jewelry collection, too. Australian opal is available in a variety of colors and prices.

About 95% of the world’s supply of gem quality opals comes from Australia. Therefore, it is not surprising that the opal is the national gemstone of Australia. Australian opals have a 5.5 to 6.0 rating on the Mohs scale of hardness. Each Australian opal gemstone has some water content. Usually, the water content is between 2% to 6%. However some stones have been known to have up to 20% water content.

All opals, including Australian opals, have color play. This color play is known as opalescence. Light refractions and reflections from within the opal gemstone provide a beautiful visual effect.

Australian Aborigine legend says that the Creator descended down from the sky to deliver a message of peace to human beings. The descent was made on a rainbow, and when the Creator touched the ground, the rocks turned into a lively, dazzling array of colors of the rainbow—opals. Ancient Romans used to carry opals as good luck charms.

Australian opal that is black (red on black) is the rarest and most valuable. The largest black uncut opal is the Halley’s Comet Opal. This Australian opal was found in 1986, which was a year in which Halley’s Comet was visible from Earth. Approximately the size of a man’s fist, the Halley’s Comet Opal is about 1,982 carats.

All Australian opals and opals found elsewhere require proper care. Never use chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners on them. Avoid prolonged exposure to heat, and avoid extreme temperature changes. The best way to clean Australian opal is with mild soap and a soft brush.

Take pride in the beauty of your Australian opal. This wonder from “the land down under” is a splendor to behold.

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