Australian Dark Opal
Natural Australian dark opal features a semi dark background, typically dark gray, that provides a beautiful, high contrast canvas for its play of color. Sourced from the historic mines of Lightning Ridge, these solid stones offer brilliant, fiery color play similar to black opal but at a more accessible price point. Every dark opal in our collection is guaranteed 100 percent natural and solid.
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High Value Contrast and the Body Tone Scale
To understand the unique value of dark opals, it helps to look at the standard body tone scale used by gemologists. While white opals feature a light, milky base and black opals feature a deep gray to jet black base, dark opals sit comfortably in the middle, displaying a dark gray background. This semi dark canvas is incredibly effective at absorbing excess light, which prevents the colors from washing out and makes the flashes of green, blue, orange, and red stand out with superb contrast.
Because they are mined in the same sedimentary claystone layers as black opals, they offer the same stability and structural durability. They are highly versatile and durable enough for everyday jewelry designs, including custom rings, pendants, and delicate earring pairs. For collectors and jewelry designers looking to create high impact, elegant designs without the high premium of jet black gems, dark opals represent a highly strategic and satisfying choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dark opal?
Dark opal is solid precious opal with a dark gray body tone that sits between light and black opal.
Is dark opal natural?
Yes, every dark opal in our collection is 100 percent natural, solid, and untreated.
What is the value of a dark opal?
Dark opals are highly valued, offering excellent color play at a lower price point than jet black opals.