Opals are amazing gemstones that come in many colors and shapes. They are formed when water seeps into cracks and crevices in the earth and deposits silica over millions of years. Opals are very rare and valuable, especially if they have bright and vivid colors or patterns. Some opals are so unique and beautiful that they are worth millions of dollars. In this article, we will explore the 10 most expensive opal varieties in the world and why they are so pricey.
Rainbow Opals
Rainbow opals are opals that display a stunning array of colors, like a rainbow. They can have red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet hues, or any combination of them. Rainbow opals are very eye-catching and attractive, and they are often used for decorative and spiritual purposes. Rainbow opals are found in many parts of the world, such as Australia, Mexico, Ethiopia, and the United States. The price of rainbow opals depends on the size, quality, and rarity of the colors. A small rainbow opal can cost as low as $10 per carat, while a large and high-quality one can cost up to $1,000 per carat or more. One of the most famous rainbow opals is the Virgin Rainbow, a huge opal that glows in the dark and is valued at over $1 million.
Brazilian Opals
Brazilian opals are opals that come from Brazil, mainly from the northeastern state of Piauí. Brazilian opals are very rare and hard to find because many of the mines have been exhausted or not explored enough. Brazilian opals are known for their durability and clarity, as they have less water content than other opals. This makes them suitable for cutting and polishing like diamonds, and they are often used for jewelry. Brazilian opals can have various colors, from milky white to multicolored. The price of Brazilian opals can range from $50 to $200 per carat, depending on the color, quality, and size.
Ethiopian Opals
Ethiopian opals are opals that originate from Ethiopia, a country in East Africa. Ethiopian opals are relatively new to the market, as they were discovered only in the 1990s. Ethiopian opals are very diverse and colorful, and they can have different types of patterns, such as honeycomb, harlequin, or floral. Ethiopian opals are also very bright and fiery, and they can change colors depending on the angle and the light. Ethiopian opals are very popular and in high demand, and they can cost up to $250 per carat or more. One of the most expensive Ethiopian opals is the Galaxy Opal, a massive opal that weighs 5,525 carats and is worth over $1.3 million.
Black Opals
Black opals are opals that have a dark background color, such as black, gray, or brown. Black opals are very rare and valuable because they contrast well with the bright colors that flash on the surface. Black opals are mostly found in Australia, especially in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales. Black opals can have different patterns and colors, such as red, green, blue, or purple. The price of black opals can vary from $100 to $10,000 per carat, depending on the quality, size, and rarity of the colors. Some of the most expensive black opals are the Black Prince, which sold for $169,400, the Aurora Australis, which is valued at $724,000, and the Fire Queen, which is the most expensive opal in the world, worth $3,620,700.
Boulder Opals
Boulder opals are opals that are attached to a host rock, usually ironstone. Boulder opals are very unique and interesting because they have a natural shape and texture that enhances the beauty of the opal. Boulder opals are also very durable and stable, as they are protected by the rock. Boulder opals are mainly found in Australia, particularly in the Queensland region. Boulder opals can have different colors and patterns, such as blue, green, red, or yellow. The price of boulder opals can range from $50 to $5,000 per carat, depending on the quality, size, and rarity of the colors. One of the most expensive boulder opals is the Pride of Australia, which is worth $1,978,200.
Crystal Opals
Crystal opals are opals that have a transparent or translucent body, which allows the light to pass through and create a stunning effect. Crystal opals are very attractive and elegant, and they are often used for jewelry. Crystal opals can have different colors and patterns, such as pink, orange, blue, or rainbow. Crystal opals are found in various places around the world, such as Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Ethiopia. The price of crystal opals can vary from $10 to $1,000 per carat, depending on the color, quality, and size.
White Opals
White opals are opals that have a white or light background color, which makes the colors on the surface more subtle and soft. White opals are very common and affordable, and they are often used for everyday wear. White opals can have different colors and patterns, such as green, blue, pink, or yellow. White opals are mostly found in Australia, especially in the Coober Pedy area of South Australia. The price of white opals can range from $5 to $100 per carat, depending on the quality, size, and rarity of the colors.
Fire Opals
Fire opals are opals that have a fiery red, orange, or yellow color, which resembles the flames of a fire. Fire opals are very rare and valuable because they have a high intensity and saturation of color. Fire opals are mostly found in Mexico, but they can also be found in other places, such as Brazil, Ethiopia, and Australia. Fire opals can have different patterns and shapes, such as oval, pear, or round. The price of fire opals can vary from $50 to $5,000 per carat, depending on the color, quality, and size. One of the most expensive fire opals is the Fire of Australia, which is worth $652,000.
Matrix Opals
Matrix opals are opals that are embedded in a host rock, usually ironstone or sandstone. Matrix opals are very special and rare because they have a natural and organic appearance that showcases the opal in its original form. Matrix opals are also very colorful and vibrant, and they can have different patterns and shapes, such as veins, patches, or dots. Matrix opals are mainly found in Australia, especially in the Andamooka area of South Australia. The price of matrix opals can range from $100 to $10,000 per carat, depending on the quality, size, and rarity of the colors. One of the most expensive matrix opals is the Halley’s Comet, which is worth $1,711,300.
Harlequin Opals
Harlequin opals are opals that have a mosaic pattern of colors, which resembles the costume of a harlequin. Harlequin opals are very rare and valuable because they have a high contrast and brilliance of colors. Harlequin opals can have different colors and shapes, such as red, green, blue, or hexagonal. Harlequin opals are mostly found in Australia, but they can also be found in other places, such as Ethiopia, Brazil, and Mexico. The price of harlequin opals can vary from $500 to $50,000 per carat, depending on the color, quality, and size. One of the most expensive harlequin opals is the Olympic Australis, which is worth $3,236,700.
