ORIGIN
Lightning Ridge (NSW) Australia

DIMENSIONS
7mm x 5mm diameter x 2.4mm deep

CARAT WEIGHT
0.54ct

CUT
Oval shaped cabochon

DESCRIPTION
Black crystal base, with bright to brilliant green, purple and blue colour flashes, mixed pattern, transparent, good cut and polish.

CUTTER Ralph Pownall

TREATMENT
None

COMMENTS This opal has brilliant green, purple and blue colour flashes that contrast beautifully against the black body tone. It would make a lovely ring or pendant stone. In Australian Aboriginal legend, opal was termed the ‘Rainbow Serpent” and was admired for its unique energy and beauty. Today, more than 95% of the world’s opal is mined in Australia. Opal is Australia’s national gemstone and is considered the finest and brightest in the world. It can convey a mood that is as varied as its type. Types include white opal, crystal, boulder, matrix, Yowah nuts and the most famous of all – high-quality Lightning Ridge material from NSW, the home of the Australian black opal.                                                                                                                                                 

DURABILITY Opal is a softer gemstone – at 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale – and is recommended for occasional wear. Wearers should take care to avoid abrasion and hard knocks on their opal jewellery.