1.82Ct Splendid Multi-color Ethiopian Welo Polished Opal (2024)

FAQs

What are the rarest opal colors? ›

The Rarest Opal: The Black Opal

The Black Opal emerges as the rarest and most coveted among all opal types. Its rarity is attributed to its unique color background and the specific conditions required for its formation.

Opal was first discovered in Ethiopia in the early 1990s. Specimens from Mezezo in the historical Shewa province consist of nodules of a reddish brown volcanic rock with orange, reddish brown, or “chocolate” brown precious opal inside.

Black is the rarest, most valuable opal color for both its scarcity and the way the dark background allows for a brighter play-of-color when the opal is precious rather than common. Red color flashes (another term for play-of-color) are especially prized.

Generally opals with a black or dark body tone are more valuable than those with a white, light, or crystal body tone, because a stone with a darker body tone tends to display colours more vibrantly. Above – AOGIA 1-9 body tone scale. Black opal is the most prized opal and may realise prices over AUD $15,000 a carat.

There is a large quantity of Ethiopian opal available which has kept the price low. Like most gems the top quality material is quite rare and commands a high price. The intensity of the color is what makes this opal valuable as the best Ethiopian opal have colors that are described as unreal looking like colored L.E.D.

Base color: Natural Ethiopian opals typically have a light-colored base, such as white or gray, with flashes of color. If the opal has a dark or opaque base color, it may be a fake opal. Pattern: Natural Ethiopian opals can have a variety of patterns, including pinfire, rolling flash, and harlequin.

By far the most prized and rare pattern is the true Harlequin opal. This pattern is extremely rare and we use the terminology of true pattern, as some opals might just have one or two shapes like harlequin pattern but only in a small area.

Among the variety of different patterns found in Australian opal stones is the most rare and expensive harlequin pattern.

The Virgin Rainbow Opal is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful opals in the world. It is a mesmerizing gemstone with an enchanting display of iridescent colors.

Considered to be one of the world's most beautiful opals, "The Virgin Rainbow" is a 63.3mm Black Crystal Opal Belemnite Fossil in a 'pipe' shape. It Features gem quality colour, and is also said to glow in the dark.