Differences In Australian Natural Opals

Black / Dark Opal

Black opals are the most valuable opals.  Found mostly in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia, The term “Black opal” comes from the black body tone.  That allows the intense variety of colors to become visible.

Light Opal

Light opals have a light body tone.  The body color can range from white to cream.  Typically a light opal will have pastel colors on the face.    Light opals are by far more common.

Crystal Opal

Crystal opals have a transparent or semi-transparent body tone.  Light passes through the opal creating a spectrum of brilliant colors.