If you’re torn between buying black opal vs white opal, you’re not alone, these two gemstones are among the most searched opal types in the UK and worldwide. As an Australian opal cutter working directly in with miners in Lightning Ridge, I’ve handled thousands of stones, from rare black opals to bright white opals. This guide explains the real differences in colour, value, rarity and durability so you can choose the right opal with confidence.
What Is the Difference Between Black Opal and White Opal?
The main difference between black opal and white opal is the body tone, the natural background colour of the stone.
- Black opal: Dark body tone (jet black). This creates strong contrast and extremely bright play‑of‑colour.
- White opal: Light or milky body tone. Colour appears softer, pastel and more subtle.
Both are real Australian opals. The difference comes from the geological conditions in which each stone formed. Black opal is most famously mined in Lightning Ridge, NSW, while white opal is commonly found in Coober Pedy and other fields.
If you’ve searched “what is black opal” or “what is white opal,” this is the simplest explanation: body tone changes everything.
Colour: Why Black Opals Show Brighter Play‑of‑Colour
Opal colour -known as play‑of‑colour- is caused by light diffracting through microscopic silica spheres. The darker the background, the stronger the colour appears.
- Black opal colour: Extremely bright, high contrast, neon‑like flashes. Reds, greens and multi‑colour patterns appear more intense.
- White opal colour: Soft, glowing, pastel tones. Beautiful but gentler than black opal.
On the opal brightness scale, black opals often reach the highest brightness levels. Even a thin colour bar on a dark base can outshine a much larger white opal.
From my own mining experience in Lightning Ridge, I see this daily: a small black opal with strong colour can be worth more than a large white opal with softer tones.
Value: Why Black Opals Are More Expensive
One of the most common questions I hear is: “Why is black opal so expensive?”
The answer comes down to three things: rarity, demand and colour intensity.
Rarity
- Black opal: Extremely rare, and high‑grade stones are scarce.
- White opal: More common and widely available.
Demand
- Black opal: Highly sought after by collectors, jewellers and investors.
- White opal: Popular for jewellery, gifts and budget‑friendly pieces.
Price per carat
There is no fixed 1 carat opal price, but generally:
- Black opal price: Highest price per carat due to rarity and brightness.
- White opal price: More affordable, making it ideal for less costly jewellery pieces.
If you’ve searched “how much is black opal worth” or “white opal price,” the answer depends on brightness, pattern, clarity and size. Two stones of the same weight can vary dramatically in value.
Durability: Which Opal Is Stronger?
Opal sits around 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means it’s softer than sapphire or diamond but still suitable for jewellery with proper care.
Here’s the key point: black opal and white opal have the same hardness. Body tone does not affect durability.
What actually affects durability?
- Thickness of the opal – thicker stones are stronger.
- Presence of cracks – quality stones should be free from crazing.
- Setting style – bezel settings protect opals in rings.
Whether you choose black opal jewellery or white opal jewellery, the care instructions are the same: remove during heavy work, and store safely. Other than that, enjoy wearing your opal jewellery!
Black Opal vs White Opal: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Black Opal | White Opal |
|---|---|---|
| Body Tone | Dark (grey to black) | Light / milky |
| Colour Brightness | Very high, strong contrast | Softer, pastel-like |
| Rarity | Extremely rare | More common |
| Typical Value | Highest price per carat | More affordable |
| Best For | Collectors, high-end jewellery | Everyday jewellery, gifts |
| Origin | Lightning Ridge, NSW | Coober Pedy & other fields |
Which Opal Should You Choose?
For collectors
Black opal is the top choice due to rarity, investment value and unmatched colour.
For jewellery lovers
- Black opal: Bold, dramatic, perfect for statement pieces.
- White opal: Soft, elegant, ideal for everyday wear.
For budget-friendly options
White opal offers excellent value and allows for larger stones at lower prices. However, affordable black opal does exist!
For maximum brightness
If you want the brightest possible play‑of‑colour, choose a high‑grade black opal.
Shop Australian Opals Mined and Cut by Hand
Every opal on this website is mined, cut and polished by hand. No middlemen, no mass‑produced stones, just genuine Australian opals from the source.
Whether you prefer the dramatic fire of black opal or the soft glow of white opal, each stone carries millions of years of history, and every piece I cut is handled with the same care from the moment it leaves the ground.