About Australian Opal
Australian Opal
Australia produces 96% of the world opal; 95% of the world's precious opal; and 98% of all black opal. The quailty of Australian opal is second to none. Not only is it easier to work with (cut, polish and set), but it is also has a far superior 'play of colour' and brightness.
There are many different types of opal, these include:
Black Opal
Boulder Opal
White Opal
Crystal Opal
Hydroplane Opal
The World's finest Opals
With the exception of some fire opals, all forms of opal are imitations of Australian opal. Not only is Australian opal better quality, it is also harder and less likely to chip, graze or discolour. There is also a far greater value associated due to the sheer beauty and rarety of these quality precious gems.
There are three main types of Australian opal, adding to the many forms available. Opal from Australia is available as stones, doublets, triplets, opal jewelry, opalised fossils, Australian opal is mostly sold as rough, solids and rubs.
Opal is primarily mined in the Australian states of South Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland.