Types Of Opal

Their are many types of opal in the world and every continent produces opal in some form. Most countries produce common opal which is silica that has no gem color or pattern. Only a few countries have color-play and pattern. that is of gem quality. Australia is one country that produces black and crystal opal that not many other countries can produce in large quantities.

Black opal is an opal that if mainly only found in lightning Ridge and surrounding opal fields. The quality of the opal is of the highest and most valuable anywhere to be seen on earth. Black opal has the ability to reach prices of over $20,000 per carat.

Boulder opal if only found in Queensland in Australia and nowhere else in the world. Boulder opal is unique because of it host rock that surrounding the opal, which is used as backing of the opal. The opal backing is a brown ironstone-like form that is very messy to cut. Boulder opal can reach prices of over $10,000 per carat.

Crystal opal is a form of opal that can be found in quite a few countries around the world. Mexico, brazil, Australia, Ethiopia, and a few other smaller places. But all can produce large quantities of crystal opal. The largest opal field in the world is Coober Pedy in Australia. Some crystal ca reach prices of over $2000 per carat

White opal is an opal that has been more common around the world than any type of opal. White opal can be commonly found in Australia and brazil especially. Prices on this type of opal usually not that high.

Common opal is found every where on every continent in the world and is not worth much except to a lapidist who make opal doublets and triplets. The common opal can be used as a backing for these manufactured types of opal.

For more information on opal cutting or purchasing opal. Please email blackopalsdirect@live.com or you can call me on Skype My username is Blackopaldirect and it's free!

Next Article Opal Cutter

Boulder Opal Pendant - Opal Matrix - Common Opal - Queensland Boulder - Solid Boulder Opal - Types Of Opal - Opal Cutter - Boulder Opal

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