What happens when a true craftsman gets his hands on a large 959 carat chunk of rough opal from Lightning Ridge? He turns it into a work of art!
That’s exactly what Justin from Black Opal Direct does in this video.
Watch The Video!
You can see that the stone has a prominent color bar running through it, which indicates there is color on one side of the stone, and not the other. Justin takes the time to show us how he carefully assesses the opal and comes up with a plan for polishing it.
More About Lightning Ridge
Lightning Ridge is a small outback town in New South Wales, Australia, renowned worldwide for its precious black opals. The region’s harsh and arid climate, combined with its remote location, adds to the rugged charm and mystique that surrounds this unique mining area.
The world famous opals of Lightning Ridge are formed over millions of years through the process of silica deposition in cracks and cavities within the rock. The opalized remains of prehistoric creatures, such as dinosaurs and marine reptiles, have also been found here, making the area not only a gemological treasure trove but also a paleontological one as well.
The Unique Black Opal
Lightning Ridge is best known for its production of black opals, which are considered the most valuable and stunning of all opal varieties. These opals display a dark body tone, which provides a striking contrast to their vibrant play of colors. The intense hues of blues, greens, reds, and purples dance across the surface of the stones, creating an almost ethereal beauty that has captivated gem enthusiasts and collectors for decades.
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