By a Lightning Ridge miner who cuts and sells his own stones
If you’ve ever searched for terms like black opals UK, rough opal for sale, or even opal fossils, you’ve probably noticed the same thing I have: the internet is full of “opals” that aren’t opal at all.
As someone who has been mining for opal, I have seen and experienced the harsh conditions the opal miners put up with to bring us these incredible gems. So when I see people in the UK getting tricked into buying plastic, resin, or factory‑made “opal”, it genuinely frustrates me.
If you’re shopping for opals online in the UK and want to make sure you’re getting the real thing, here’s what to look out for - straight from someone who mines the genuine article. Below are 10 tips to look out for when buying opals 👇
1. Know the most common fake opals sold online
There are three main types of fakes you’ll see on UK marketplaces:
-
Synthetic opal (lab‑created)
This is man‑made material with a repeating, perfect pattern. It’s technically “opal”, but not natural and easy to identify. -
Opalite / “opal glass”
This is just glass. It has nothing to do with natural opal, despite the name. -
Resin or plastic “opal”
These are the worst offenders - bright colours, no depth, and sold for pennies.
If the price looks too good to be true, it usually is.
2. Look for natural patterns - not perfect ones!
Real opal has character. It has quirks. It has depth.
Fake opal often has:
- Repeating, regular patterns
- Pixel‑like colour blocks
- Colours that look “printed” on the surface
- Very little variation when you tilt the stone
3. Check the seller’s story
This is one of the easiest ways to avoid fakes.
A real opal seller should be able to tell you:
- Where the opal was mined
- Whether it’s solid, doublet, or triplet
- Who cut it
- How it was formed (especially for fossils and shells)
If a seller can’t answer basic questions, or if their listings are vague, that’s a red flag.
On my site, I can guarantee every opal is made by mother nature and formed over millions of years, I also describe the opal whether it’s a black opal, crystal opal, white opal, or fossilised shell. I cut it, and I know its story.
4. Beware of stock photos
A lot of fake opal sellers use the same images over and over.
Signs of a stock photo:
- The background looks too perfect or generic
- The same stone appears in multiple listings
- The lighting is identical across different sellers
A real miner or cutter will photograph each stone individually, because every opal is unique.
5. Check the price against the type of opal
Here’s a rough guide to help you sense‑check prices:
| Opal type | Typical price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black opal | Highest | Rare, especially from Lightning Ridge |
| Crystal opal | Medium - high | Clear body with bright colour |
| White opal | Lower | More common but still beautiful |
| Opal fossils / shells | Varies | Rare and highly collectible |
| Rough opal | Depends on quality | Should still show natural colour |
6. Look for transparency in the listing
A trustworthy seller will clearly state:
- Whether the opal is solid, doublet, or triplet
- Whether it’s Australian, Ethiopian, or synthetic
- Whether it has been treated in any way
There’s nothing wrong with doublets or Ethiopian opals, as long as they’re labelled honestly.
7. Buy from miners or trusted UK sellers
If you want to avoid fakes entirely, buy from someone who:
- Mines their own opal
- Cuts their own stones
- Has a track record of selling genuine Australian opals
- Shows videos and / or multiple photos of each stone
- Offers stones with provenance and clear descriptions
That’s exactly why I started my business - to give UK buyers direct access to real Lightning Ridge opal without the middlemen, the mark-ups, or the fakes.
8. Ask for a video
A video tells you more than any photo.
In a real opal video, you’ll see:
- Colour movement
- Depth and play‑of‑colour
- Transparency or body tone
- Natural imperfections
Fake opals often look flat or overly bright, with no real depth when moved in the light.
If a seller refuses to provide a video, be cautious.
9. Learn the difference between Australian and Ethiopian opal
Australian opal (Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, Queensland etc)
- Very stable
- Rare and highly valued
- Formed over millions of years
- Doesn’t absorb water
Ethiopian opal
- Beautiful but porous
- Can absorb water and change appearance
- Can crack if not cared for properly
- Usually much cheaper
Some sellers list Ethiopian opal as “Australian”, always double‑check the description and ask questions if you’re unsure.
10. Trust your instincts
If something feels off - the price, the photos, the seller’s story - walk away.
Opal is a gemstone with soul. You should feel confident and excited when you buy it, not suspicious.
Final thoughts from the mine
I’ve spent time underground in Lightning Ridge, chasing colour through sandstone with real opal miners. Every opal I sell has passed through my hands - from the moment it comes out of the earth to the moment it’s polished and ready for a new home.
There are plenty of fake opals online, especially in the UK market. But with a bit of knowledge - and a seller you trust - you can avoid the fakes and find a stone that will last a lifetime.