Discovering the Wonders of Rare Opals
Rare opals stand among the most enchanting treasures in the gemstone world, celebrated for their mystique and dazzling play of color. These extraordinary gems, formed deep within the earth over millennia, captivate the imagination of collectors, connoisseurs, and jewelers. At Opal Galaxy, we take pride in curating a distinguished collection of the most exquisite and sought-after Australian Opals, each one a testament to nature’s artistry.
Rare Opal
A rare opal is not merely a gemstone; it’s a geological marvel. What makes an opal rare can be a combination of factors: its color, pattern, transparency, origin, and size. Rare opals typically display a vivid, vibrant play of color, where the internal structure diffracts light into brilliant flashes of rainbow hues.
While common opals lack this phenomenon, rare opals like Black Opal, Boulder Opal, and Crystal Opal exhibit dynamic, prismatic effects that are as unique as a fingerprint. Such rare varieties often command high prices and are sought after for both investment and admiration.
What are Rare Types of Opal?
Several opal types are classified as rare due to their exceptional visual properties and scarcity in nature. Here are some of the most coveted.
1. Black Opal
Hailed as the rarest and most valuable opal, Black Opal features a dark body tone that enhances the vividness of its color play. Found almost exclusively in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, this opal type is prized for its deep, saturated colors and dazzling contrasts.
2. Boulder Opal
Sourced primarily from Queensland, Boulder Opal forms in thin veins within ironstone boulders. Its rarity lies in the natural backing of ironstone, which offers durability and depth to the opal’s play of color. No two boulder opals are the same, making each piece a one of a kind treasure.
3. Crystal Opal
Crystal Opal is transparent, allowing light to penetrate and enhance its internal color spectrum. The magnificent glow and luminescence make it a collector’s favorite, especially when paired with rare patterns.
Though more common, certain specimens of Light Opal can be rare if they exhibit an exceptional display of color and symmetry. These often come from the Coober Pedy region of South Australia.
5. Fire Opal
While predominantly found in Mexico, rare varieties of Fire Opal contain both the fiery body color and the spectral play of color, making them exceedingly unique.
Rare Black Opal
No discussion of rare opals would be complete without emphasizing the prestige of Black Opal. Revered for its intense coloration and rarity, Black Opal is the crown jewel of the opal world. Its body tone ranges from dark gray to jet black, which serves as a perfect backdrop for electrifying flashes of red, green, blue, and violet.
What sets Black Opal apart is its dynamic brilliance and depth of color that appears to shift and dance with every angle of light. The rarest Black Opals display a harlequin or floral pattern with a full spectrum of colors; commonly known as “red on black”, which is the most sought after color.
At Opal Galaxy, we offer hand-selected Black Opals sourced directly from Lightning Ridge, renowned globally for producing the finest specimens.
What is the Most Rare Opal?
The most rare opal is not just defined by its type, but also by its pattern, size, clarity, and color brilliance. While many might argue that Black Opal is the rarest type overall, the title of “most rare opal” often goes to individual, exceptional specimens such as:
The “Aurora Australis” Black Opal
Discovered in Lightning Ridge in 1938, this opal weighs 180 carats and displays a vivid harlequin pattern with all spectral colors. It is considered one of the most valuable Black Opals ever found and is regarded as a national treasure.
In today’s market, a similar opal; particularly with intense red play of color on a jet black base can fetch hundreds of thousands, if not millions, depending on size and quality.
Opal Galaxy does have opals of similar, high quality available. Please contact us to see them as we do not publicly advertise these rare gemstones.
What are Rare Opal Patterns?
Patterns in opals are like nature’s brushstrokes, no two are the same. Rare patterns enhance an opal’s desirability and rarity. Some of the most coveted include:
1. Harlequin Pattern
The pinnacle of opal patterns, harlequin opals display distinct, mosaic like patches of color resembling a checkerboard. Genuine harlequin opals are extremely rare and command a premium.
2. Flagstone Pattern
These have large, angular blocks of color that resemble paving stones. When the colors are vibrant and well-defined, flagstone opals can be incredibly rare.
3. Floral or Pinfire Pattern
This pattern consists of small, concentrated dots of color, resembling a garden in bloom. While more common, exceptional versions with full spectral color are rare.
4. Ribbon or Rolling Flash
Seen in Black, Boulder and Crystal Opals, this effect gives the impression of color waves rolling across the surface as the opal is moved.
5. Chinese Writing Pattern
This rare pattern mimics the brushstrokes of Chinese calligraphy, with intricate, linear color forms.
Each rare pattern contributes to the uniqueness of the opal, transforming it from a gemstone into a piece of natural art.
What is the Rarest Opal in the World?
The rarest opal ever discovered is arguable. A lot of people debate this fact between “The Virgin Rainbow” and the “Olympic Australis”, both found in Coober Pedy. Both of these opals are valued in the millions of dollars.
What are Rare Opal Colors?
Color is the most visually striking and value defining aspect of any opal. While common opals may exhibit pastel hues or subdued tones, rare opals burst with intensity and diversity of color. The rarest opal colors include:
Red
Red is the rarest play of color in opals and often indicates a high value stone. When red flashes appear across a dark base, especially in Black Opal, the result is unmatched in rarity. Learn more about Why Red Opals are the Most Valuable.
Violet and Purple
These colors are difficult to find in strong saturation. When paired with darker bases, they create a mysterious, luxurious effect.
Multicolor (Full Spectrum)
Opals showing a complete spectrum: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet; especially in rare patterns like harlequin or floral, are considered the ultimate prize.
Neon Green and Electric Blue
While more common than red, these hues can appear in such intensity and purity that they elevate an opal to rare status.
Conclusion
At Opal Galaxy, we carefully curate rare opals that exhibit these colors in high saturation and contrast, ensuring every piece is a true collector’s item.
Rare opals are the epitome of Earth’s hidden treasures; formed over millions of years, brought to light in dazzling flashes of color and pattern. Whether it’s the elusive Black Opal, the rugged beauty of Boulder Opal, or the ethereal clarity of Crystal Opal, these gemstones stand as a testament to nature’s artistry.
At Opal Galaxy, we are proud to specialize in these precious rarities. Our opals are not just stones; they are stories, investments, and heirlooms waiting to be cherished.