What Are The World's 10 Most Popular Types Of Opal Gemstones?

Among the world’s most beautiful gemstones, opals shine with colorful patterns and splendid patterns. These are the feelings expressed when moving from the hot red-blue colors, the tender pastels, and hot greens, again, opals bewitching one. Below is a brief guide to some of the most popular types of opal in the different parts of the world each with its unique selling point. 

 10 Most Popular Types Of Opal Gemstones

1. Australian Black Opal

It is considered one of the rarest and most valuable opal gemstones in the world, under the name Australian Black Opal. It is mainly found in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales. This is the kind of opal that has a deep black body tone and, for this reason, makes the colors on its body vivid. 

The fact that it can range from deep blues to fiery reds and greens makes it striking with great contrast; hence, it is the most sought-after luxury jewelry. The dark base color of the opal crystal therefore is a dramatic background to this vibrant-colored gemstone.

2. Australian Boulder Opal

Australian Boulder Opal crystal has a peculiar look because the opal forms within ironstone boulders. Essentially, This opal comes from the state of Queensland in Australia. 

Celebrated for its depth of earthy color and playful, often in striking patterns and color veins, it is highly prized. Usually, the opal gemstone is cut to make certain that a display of natural ironstone matrix is shown in each piece, making it look rustic and different.

3. Mexican Fire Opal

The renowned colors of the Mexican Fire Opal gemstone range from orange to deep red. Mined primarily in the state of Querétaro, Mexico, these opals are transparent to translucent in appearance with excellent color saturation. 

Unlike other opals, fire opal crystals do not always show play-of-color, but are valued for their warm, glowing tones, often set into bold modern jewelry designs. The fire opals are often compared to the Fire Agate for similar-looking properties.

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4. Peruvian Opal

Peruvian Opal crystal is also made up of subdued pastel colors of soft blues, greens, and pinks. Normally opaque, the opals mined in the high Andes mountains of Peru are usually smooth and even in texture. 

Due to their subtle, soothing tones, Peruvian natural opal stones are very popular for use in elegant understated jewelry. Its soft play of color with soothing tones is ideal for serene and sophisticated designs.

5. Honduran Opal

Another rare but loved by many kinds of Opal gemstone is the Honduran Opal, which can be found only in the Copán area of Honduras. The gems here are the most colorful opals and some of these opals are highly transparent at times. 

The colors of the natural opal stone coming from this region often range in rich reds, oranges, and yellows with a strong play of color. The striking visual effect and rarity of Honduran opal make it highly valued and worth adding to any gemstone collection.

6. Queensland Opal

Queensland Opal gemstone is known for its colorful and incredibly diverse range of colors and patterns from its opal fields in Queensland, Australia. Examples of sub-types include boulder opals and matrix opals. Queensland opals can boast a lovely play-of-color in an array of patterns and shapes that range from rolling flashes to intricate patterns.

7. Ethiopian Opal

In recent years, Ethiopian Opal has gained popularity due to its outstanding play of color and unique attributes. Most mining is done in the Wollo and Sidamo regions of Ethiopia. Flashes of brilliance in every color are common in this opal. 

Transparency and dynamic tones that shift from deep red and green to blue and yellow often form the basis for the value of Ethiopian opal crystals. This is one of the favorite opals of gem lovers because of its exceptional color and range.

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8. Andean Opal

Andean Opal gemstone is a very intriguing type originating from the Andes of South America. It is mainly blue to turquoise in color, sometimes with a milky play of color. Unlike other opals, Andean opal can be more opaque in appearance and often has a smooth, polished finish. Its cool, calming tones make for an excellent choice in serene and sophisticated jewelry design.

9. Koroit Opal

Koroit Opal crystal is another gorgeous variety from Queensland, Australia. It is famous for its complex, natural patterns and rich, earthy colors, including reds, browns, and golds. The common practice is to cut the opal in a way that brings out its unique matrix and pattern to give it a different and catching appearance.

10. Herkimer Diamond Opal

Herkimer Diamond Opal is a curious variety because it possesses the characteristic features of both natural opal stones and Herkimer diamonds. Mined from Herkimer County in New York, this type of opal has a glassy appearance in its clarity, exhibits color play just like any other opal, and has vibrant shades that make it very special to use in modern or contemporary jewelry.

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Conclusion

The colors and patterns of opals are so richly varied that each reflects its peculiar origin and properties. From the deep, dramatic colors of Australian Black Opal to the fiery brilliance of Mexican Fire Opal and serene pastel shades of Peruvian Opal, each has its special charm. Be it for a gem collector or an avid jewelry lover, these top 10 opal gemstones carry a huge array for every taste and style.

FAQs

Q1. Why is Australian Black Opal considered so valuable?

Ans. It is considered the most valuable because of its rare deep black body tone that enhances the vivid play of colors, ranking it as one of the most demanded opals worldwide.

Q2. What makes Ethiopian Opals distinct from other types of opals? 

Ans. Ethiopian Opals have a play of color and are highly transparent as opposed to the other opals which are usually less colored or less transparent.