ORIGIN
Lightning Ridge (NSW) Australia

DIMENSIONS
6mm x 4mm diameter x 2.3mm deep

CARAT WEIGHT
2 = 0.80ct

CUT
Oval shaped cabochons

DESCRIPTION
Mid grey body tone, with bright to brilliant green, blue and aqua colour flashes, mixed pattern, good cut and polish.

CUTTER Ralph Pownall

TREATMENT
None

COMMENTS This matched pair of opals have bright green, blue and aqua colour flashes that dance across the stones as they are rotated. They would make a lovely pair of earrings or could be used as accents. 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.