Follow along on our opal gemstone hunting adventures as we chase down the allusive Australian opal. Driving all over the Aussie outback we travel to remote places like Lightning ridge, NSW in search of Black opal, Coober Pedy, SA, where we mine for white opal, crystal opal, fire opal and opalised shells and fossils. Videos are constantly being uploaded on our Facebook and Instagram pages where you can ask us questions and comment.
The term "crystal opal" refers to any kind of opal (black opal, semi-black opal, white opal) which has a transparent, translucent, or semi-translucent body. This is also referred to as the "diaphaneity" of a stone. If light is able to pass through the gemstone then you are probably looking at a crystal opal. Crystal opals can display any colour of the spectrum in a beautiful play of colour, fire and patterns. Some of my favourite opals to work with are crystal opals from Coober Pedy. They make stunning pendants, rings and earrings. You can check out our range of crystal opal for sale at www.OpalQuest.com.
Mintabie opal is getting harder to find. Especially now that the government has closed the town and very little mining is allowed on the opal fields. Here is a but of information about the history of Mintabie and the opal that it can produce.
In this Blog we talk about a few of the different types of Boulder Opal that can be found in Australia. Boulder opal is one of my favourites! With its earthy tones and natural aussie outback backing it really highlights the gemmy opal entangled within the host rock! Cutting boulder opal can be challenging but we have done all the hard work for you. Check out our Boulder opal range in our store at www.opalquest.com
