Opals
Australian Opals account for 97% of the world’s opal production. Unlike other gemstones, opals are not crystallized at high pressure in the earth’s mantle, but are formed by cool-hardened silica-rich groundwater in porous sedimentary rock & volcanic cavities. These gems with their many changing colours derive their name from the Latin ‘Opalus’, Greek ‘Opallius’ meaning ‘to see a colour change’ and Sanskrit ‘Upala’ meaning ‘precious stone'. 90% of Australian opals are white or crystal, 8% black & 2% boulder opals – some of the world’s most beautiful. Opals are the official gemstone of the Australian Commonwealth and South Australia, where the opal mining town of Coober Pedy is located and which accounts for most of the country’s output. Australian black opals are only found in Lightning Ridge (NSW).

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