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Black Opal Ring
Chip Clark
Specimen | Catalog Number | Locality | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Opal | NMNH G4664 | Australia, New South Wales | 27.00 ct |
Gift of Mrs. Oliver B. James in 1970.
Opals are described according to their transparency and body color. Opals with a vivid play-of-color and a black or other dark body color are called black opals. Top-quality black opals are highly prized and were discovered in the legendary Lightning Ridge opal field in Australia in 1903. Opals with a variety of intense colors, including red and violet, are generally the most valuable. Opals are typically cut as cabochons or polished free-form to best show the play-of-color. This 26.9ct black opal from Lightning Ridge, Australia, set in a yellow gold ring, exhibits a brilliant play-of-color and is of superb quality.