Latest News & Blogs

The Evolution of Black Opal Mining in New South...

Black opal mining in New South Wales has come a long way, from hand‑dug shafts lit by candles to today’s regulated, machine‑assisted operations in Lightning Ridge. Having visited and mined...

The Evolution of Black Opal Mining in New South...

Black opal mining in New South Wales has come a long way, from hand‑dug shafts lit by candles to today’s regulated, machine‑assisted operations in Lightning Ridge. Having visited and mined...

Crystal Opal vs White Opal - Body Tone, Transpa...

Crystal opal and white opal are often confused, but they differ in transparency, brightness, rarity, and value. Crystal opal is translucent and shows vivid, three‑dimensional colour, while white opal has...

Crystal Opal vs White Opal - Body Tone, Transpa...

Crystal opal and white opal are often confused, but they differ in transparency, brightness, rarity, and value. Crystal opal is translucent and shows vivid, three‑dimensional colour, while white opal has...

Black Opal vs Light Opal: Body Tone, Value & Ho...

Black opal and light opal may look similar at first glance, but their body tone, rarity, and value are completely different. Black opal has a dark base that makes its...

Black Opal vs Light Opal: Body Tone, Value & Ho...

Black opal and light opal may look similar at first glance, but their body tone, rarity, and value are completely different. Black opal has a dark base that makes its...

Does the UK Have Opal? UK Opal Locations, Rarit...

Natural opal has been found in the UK, mainly in Cornwall and Northern Ireland — but only in rare, low-quality forms. Here’s why gem opal doesn’t form in the UK.

Does the UK Have Opal? UK Opal Locations, Rarit...

Natural opal has been found in the UK, mainly in Cornwall and Northern Ireland — but only in rare, low-quality forms. Here’s why gem opal doesn’t form in the UK.

Opal Engagement Rings: Meaning, Durability & Ho...

I’ve spent a lot of time underground in Lightning Ridge, digging for black opal with my own hands. I’ve seen stones that took my breath away the moment they hit...

Opal Engagement Rings: Meaning, Durability & Ho...

I’ve spent a lot of time underground in Lightning Ridge, digging for black opal with my own hands. I’ve seen stones that took my breath away the moment they hit...

Black Opal vs Dark Opal: Body Tone, Value & How...

Black Opal and Dark Opal may look similar at first glance, but their body tone, colour contrast and rarity set them apart. This guide explains the key differences between the...

Black Opal vs Dark Opal: Body Tone, Value & How...

Black Opal and Dark Opal may look similar at first glance, but their body tone, colour contrast and rarity set them apart. This guide explains the key differences between the...