The formation of opal is unlikely enough, but some opal formations are so beautiful and so rare they become somewhat of a celebrity. Below are some of the most iconic opals ever discovered.
The “Aurora Australis”
Discovered at Lightning Ridge, New South Wales in 1938, the Aurora Australis weighs 180 carats and measures 3 inches by 1.8 inches. Its size and incredibly bright clarity of colour give this opal its rarity.
The Red Admiral
Mined during World War 1, the Red Admiral got its name from its resemblance to the British butterfly species ‘Red Admiral’. Weighing approximately 51 carats, it displays an incredibly vivid red play of colour from all angles.
The Fire Queen
Mined in 1906 and weighing 900 carats, this opal originally sold for £100. After changing owners several times, it made its way into the Chicago Museum valued at £40,000 in 1928. John D. Rockefeller eventually purchased it for £75,000 in the 1940s.
The Pride of Australia
Weighing 225 carats with a large face of colour measuring 2 inches by 3 inches, this opal is famous for its brilliant red and blue play of colour. Many consider it one of the best opals ever found. It was reportedly purchased by Dr. Hubert Eaton for £150,000 in the 1950s.
Halley’s Comet
Recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest uncut black opal nobby, Halley’s Comet weighs 1982.5 carats and measures 100 × 65 × 63 mm. Mined by the ‘Lunatic Hill Syndicate’ at Lightning Ridge, it was named after Halley’s Comet, which appeared in the skies around the same time.
The Virgin Rainbow
This opalised Belemnite fossil is 63 mm long and pipe‑shaped. Discovered in the Three Mile Fields of Coober Pedy, it is said to glow in the dark. Weighing 72.65 carats, it was mined in 2003.