Australian Opal

95% of opals with play of color come from Australia. This is the opal with the internal color "light show" that is most often thought of when the word "opal" is heard. It is additionally classified by it's background color, the intensity of color display, and size. Background colors of white, or grey are most common, and those displaying flashes of red, orange, and violet are considered most desirable. Black opal, which has a dark grey to blue/black background color is the rarest, and most desired of the Australian opals. Because of the high water content in opals, they can be fragile and care should be taken when setting or wearing them.