The different types of opal

There are many different types of opal, each beautiful in its own respect. Amongst the most distinguished are the black opal, the boulder opal and the light opal.

Black and dark opal: This is an opal which has a dark body colour when viewed from above. It is the rarest and most valuable opal variety.

Boulder opal: This type of opal forms naturally within the host rock and often just a thin vein of precious opal is present. The opal usually has a baroque wavy surface and is often irregular in shape.

Light opal: This makes up the bulk of most precious opals, with brilliant light opals being extremely valuable. The transparent crystal variety of opal generally commands the highest price.