In the world of gemstones, nothing beats the intrigue of a black opal. After all, not only is its history shrouded in mystery but its characteristic play-of-colour is enough to make anyone’s eyes widen.
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What Is Black Opal Stone?
In a nutshell, the black opal gemstone is a type of opal that shares the same chemical composition as its other coloured kin. It’s essentially hydrated silica with a water content that ranges from 6% to 21%.
Also Read: Which is the Rarest Opal colour?
Where’s the black opal’s playground, you ask?
Well, it’s primarily in the land down under. To be more specific, Lightning Ridge in Australia, a place that sounds like it was named by a superhero, is the biggest supplier of natural black opals worldwide.
Did You Know?
Black opal is so cherished in Australia that it became the official state gemstone of New South Wales in 2008. That’s right, folks, it’s not just a gem; it’s practically a national treasure. Move over kangaroos; black opals are here to steal the spotlight.
Interestingly, apart from Australia, Africa is also known for its production of these spectacular gems. But of course, they decided to take things one step further and give their stunners a slight makeover. While the Aussie black opal is naturally dark and brooding, Ethiopian black opals usually get smoked to enhance their body tone. Who knew gemstones could benefit from a spa day, right?
Coming to the gem’s durability – On Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which ranges from the super tough diamond at 10 to the fragile-as-a-butterfly’s-wing talc at 1, the raw black opal lands somewhere between 5.5 to 6.5. So, it’s not exactly made for roughhousing. That said, if you’re simply in the mood to look fabulous then flaunting an opal ring is the definitely the best way to go about it.
The Story Behind Black Opal’s colour
Want to know something cool? Black opals aren’t always black; they come in a smorgasbord of body tones, ranging from dark grey to black.
What’s the secret behind this gem’s remarkable colour? Well, it turns out there’s some serious chemistry at play here. Its dark body tone is the result of trace elements, specifically iron oxide and carbon, mingling with the chemical composition of the gemstone.
When it comes to Ethiopian black opals, however, manganese oxide is the trace element that causes their gorgeous hue. Yes, folks, it’s like the black opal family tree has a few branches with unique personalities.
What’s more, these gems feature trace elements of common opal (known as potch), left intact on the back of the gemstone. This clever contrast sets the stage for the grand performance, which is none other than the stone’s spectacular ‘play-of-colour.’
Now we know what you’re going to say, “How does this optical illusion work?”
Well, black opals are made of stacked hydrated silica spheres. These stacks align themselves into a flawless cubic structure and when light hits them, it’s like a disco ball at a gemstone rave. The light diffracts and refracts in a jaw-dropping display of vibrant colours. We’re talking about a symphony of hues that include bright blues, greens, yellows, oranges and fiery reds. It’s like a gemstone’s way of saying, “Watch this!”
So, if you’re ever in the mood to make people stop and stare, add a black opal necklace to your cart.
Also Read: Which Is More Expensive: Opal or Moonstone?
Black Opal History: Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to its history, this gem, like a good mystery novel, has honestly left us with more questions than answers.
According to reports, the story began, or at least got interesting in a place called Lightning Ridge, Australia. Black opals were first discovered in the late 1800s, and it seems the locals decided to wait for the right moment to reveal them to the world.
In the early 1900s, Jack Murray and Charles Nettleton embarked on a digging adventure. In 1903, Nettleton sold his first parcel of black opal for a whopping $30.
The opal mining industry in Lightning Ridge began to fizzle out in the 1920s, presumably due to the miners needing a break from the sweltering Australian heat. Yet, as with any good plot twist, the game wasn’t over. In 1958, the introduction of machinery sparked a resurgence in opal mining. The Asian market also jumped on the opal bandwagon, driving demand in the 1980s and 1990s. Moreover, in 1989, a surprise black opal discovery near Lake Coocoran left the world wide-eyed and craving more.
But Lightning Ridge was not the only place where black opals hid. They were also spotted in Mintabie (1970s), Andamooka (1982) and even as far away as Pedro II, Piauí, Brazil (1974). What’s more, the opal mines in Honduras have been around since the 1800s, but it took until 2006 for black opal to strut its stuff in the gemstone trade.
Hungary also chipped in, reporting black opal from Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, probably to show the world that even the landlocked countries can play the gem game. Indonesia got in on the action too when they found opalized fossil wood near Banten in 1995.
Over in the U.S., Humboldt County, Nevada, joined the black opal club in 1905 (Fun fact: Now you can even pay to dig for these black beauties there). And as if we needed any more proof that this gem loves to globetrot, it made its way to Ethiopia in 2011.
In short, black opal played the role of a jack-in-the-box throughout history – popping up in all the unexpected places. And honestly, we couldn’t be happier!
Black Opal Symbolism: What Does the Stone Stand for Today?
In our not-so-humble opinion, the black opal gemstone is much more than just a pretty face; it’s got some depth to its character. In today’s world, this enigmatic gem is all about protection, healing and positive emotions. Basically, it’s the gemstone equivalent of a best friend who gives you a pep talk, wraps you in a cozy blanket and offers to punch your problems in the face. And in a world full of chaos and strife, it’s probably no surprise that black opal jewellery is at the top of everyone’s wishlist.
In conclusion, black opals are a testament to the fascinating and diverse world of gemstones. They may not be as tough as a diamond, but they certainly have a personality and symbolism that can outshine even the sparkliest gemstones out there. So, if you’re ever in the mood for a little mystique and a lot of colour, give black opals a chance. We’re sure you won’t regret it.
Want to shop for opal jewellery other than black? Look no further than our collection. From opal earrings to opal bracelets, we’ve got everything you need to make a statement.
We even have several opal engagement rings and opal promise rings on our website. So, if you ever want to pop the question or say your vows in style, you know where to look.
