Lightning Ridge Opal

Can you tell us a little about the source of this material?

Located in the northern New South Wales region of Australia, Lightning Ridge is world-renowned as the primary source of black opals. Mined for over a century, this area remains the best-known and most prolific source for these precious gemstones. The opals are found in the ancient, dry, and rocky plains surrounding the town of Lightning Ridge.

Lightning Ridge is a small town situated in the northern part of New South Wales, Australia, about 500 miles northwest of Sydney. Nestled in the Outback, the region is characterized by vast, arid plains, red dirt, and craggy hills that stretch as far as the eye can see. The landscape is marked by rugged, desert-like terrain, dotted with scrubby bushes, sparse native trees, and occasional dry creek beds. It’s a land where the sun beats down relentlessly during summer, and winter nights get surprisingly cold. Without the opal deposit, the town would not exist. There is folklore story that the name Lightning Ridge originated from a shepherd being struck by Lightning along with his dog and 200 sheep on the ridge. Whether the story is true or not is a mystery, but it certainly adds to the mystique of the town!

There are various places in Australia where other types of opal can be found such as Cooper Pedy in South Australia, which is known for its white opal, and Western Queensland known for its boulder opal. Lightning Ridge is the only known deposit in the world with black opal.

We work directly with another family-operated team, Cheal Opal, to source our Lightning Ridge Opals. When we first met the Cheal Opal team, we knew there would be great synergy. Not only do we share the same values of ethics and transparency, but we also both have what Cheal Opal likes to call "opal fever." Our owner Eric’s daughter, Natasha, even jokingly told him, "If you get to pick all your favorite stones to source, then I should get to pick mine too!" And for her, that’s Lightning Ridge opal.

The deep commitment to ethical sourcing, the multigenerational bond we share, and our mutual love for these incredible gems all played a part in our decision to partner with Cheal Opal.

What kinds of sizes, shapes and cutting styles can be found?

There are two formation types that Lightning Ridge opal are found in: Seam opal and Nobby opal. Seam opal is predominantly found in the Grawin opal fields and is formed in cracks or crevices that have opened in the ground over time. Finding a big seam is often referred to finding a ‘plate’ as it can get to the size of a dinner plate! Nobby opal is predominately found in the Coocoran opal fields and forms in little pieces, generally smaller than a pea, and form in clusters almost like grapes. While very rare, you will even find some nobby opal pieces as large as a fist. Hitting a cluster of nobbys is referred to getting a ‘pocket’. Fossils are also found in the area, anything from small crustations to dinosaur bones. In some rare cases, these fossils can even be opalized!

Another particularly interesting element of these opals is how they form. Lightning Ridge opals form as a result of a complex interaction between water, silica, minerals, and geological conditions over millions of years. In particular, the opals from this region are known for their dark body tone, which enhances their play-of-color. This comes from the unique mineral content of the area, giving a distinct beauty. Ultimately, these opals are the product of slow, gradual processes that have taken place beneath the earth’s surface in the ancient and arid landscape of Lightning Ridge.

As a new introduction for 2025, you will find a limited variety of cabochon shapes in calibrated opal to start. Rounds, ovals, pear shapes, elongated cushions and a variety of freeform cabochons make up our introductory collection. Generally speaking, opal cutting is a delicate balance of maximizing color, while creating an aesthetic shape.

Is this material typically enhanced in any way?

Australian opal is known for being one of the most stable opals. It naturally forms its beautiful color and body tone, offering no reason to be treated in any way. This is exactly what you’ll find with our Lightning Ridge opals: natural and completely untreated.

In the industry today, there are various opal enhancement or treatment options to be aware of. While these have their place and purpose, it's crucial that any treatments or enhancements are disclosed transparently so you know exactly what you're purchasing.

Although this doesn't apply to our Lightning Ridge opals, an example you may encounter often are assembled opals, such as doublets and triplets. A doublet consists of a thin slice of solid opal – typically white or crystal opal – glued to a black backing, which could be onyx, black opal, ironstone, or other materials. This creates the illusion of a brighter, more vivid color, similar to that of black opal. A triplet opal is similar to a doublet but has an additional layer of quartz, glass, or plastic on top to form a cabochon shape.

In recent years, treated Ethiopian opal has sometimes been misrepresented as Australian black opal in an attempt to increase its value and marketability. Common treatments used in these cases include hydration, oiling, waxing, sugar and acid treatments, and heat treatment. These methods enhance the opal's stability and color, which may make it difficult for an untrained eye to immediately recognize that it's not Australian black opal. This is another reason why it’s essential to ask about and understand the treatment history of an opal is crucial in making an informed purchase.

Are there any unique characteristics you can share about this material?

This opal stands out not only for its striking beauty but also for its unique formation and the special characteristics it exhibits. The combination of a dark body tone that intensifies the vibrant play-of-color, along with its high dispersion, fluorescence, and rolling flash effect, makes black opal one of the most captivating gemstones in the world. Its rarity and high value in the gemstone market make it a true treasure for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.

What are the gem specs of this material? How do we know if it is authentic?

The material we source and cut at Columbia Gem House is backed with our Gem Trust guarantee. This means you know it’s an authentic gemstone and that we will share all available information with you. You can find additional gem specifications below:

Gem Type

Opal

Fair Trade Level

Origin

Australia

Location

Lightning Ridge

Color

Black, grey, white, or near-colorless body with play of color or iridescence

Treatment

Not Treated

Hardness (Mohs Scale)

5 – 6

Refractive Index

1.37 – 1.52

Specific Gravity

1.9 – 2.5

Transparency

Opaque to transparent

Luster

Vitreous

Composition

SiO2.nH2O

Crystal Structure

Seam or nobby

How do I care for my gemstone?

Black opals are truly unique and beautiful gemstones, but like many other precious gemstones, they do require a bit of special care. When cleaning your black opal, use gentle methods such as mild dish soap and warm water, applied with a soft brush (like a toothbrush with soft bristles). Rinse it gently under lukewarm water and dry with a soft cloth. Our Expert's Tip: When storing your opal for extended periods (more than a month), place a small glass of water in the safe or storage area. This helps keep the opal hydrated and can prolong its lifetime.

Black opals do not require frequent repolishing, but the polish can wear down with regular use over time. A repolish can restore its shine. Black opals are also more susceptible to cracking, crazing, and other damage if exposed to harsh conditions, such as extreme dryness, temperature fluctuations, abrasive contact, or impact with hard surfaces.

To protect your black opal, avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperature changes (such as saunas or hot tubs). Also, prevent prolonged exposure to sunlight or dry environments, like leaving the opal on a windowsill for weeks or months, as this can cause dehydration.

What can you tell us beyond the facets? I want to know more…

Black opals carry unique stories, myths, and symbolism that have evolved over time and across cultures. From the ancient Aboriginal beliefs to the scientific fascination with its internal structure, the opal's mystique is undeniable. Its role in family traditions, the harsh life of miners, and the cultural significance in Australia and beyond adds layers of meaning to its already remarkable beauty.

For those lucky enough to own a piece of black opal, it becomes not just a stunning treasure, but a symbol of mystery, heritage, and a connection to the earth’s ancient history in one of the most remote parts of the world.