Australia is famous for many things and especially for its white and black opal.
Great opals in different shapes and sized
Lightning Ridge supplies nearly all of the world supply of black opal.
It is an amazing rare and valuable form of this amazing gemstone. Our spectacular opal is the envy of the rest of the world. It continues to increase in value even as prices of other commodities worldwide begin to decrease.
Why do we love it so much?
Opal contains every colour spectrum from the deepest blues right through the orange, golden orange, vivid green, red, even fuschia pink.
Like our mixed community and vivid personalities, it is able to be pale and delicate or dark, rich and brilliant.
Some more suggestions where you can purchase opal if you don't have success at finding your own
It can even contain a combination of these colours and patterns.
Like a lady of the night, it can reveal itself all at once or it can surprise you with tantalising glimpses and flashes of colour. Perhaps only showing its true colour and brilliance when it is moved in the lights.
The opal is one of the most fascinating gemstones, as it often requires the owner to interact with it to reveal its true beauty. As it is moved and turned in the light, it will change colour and reveal its beauty just for you.
Amazing "fire" in the opal
Many myths abound of opal bringing bad luck. It is believed that originally came about because the stone was so revered, those in positions of authority chose to keep it for themselves. In fact, Mark Antony fell in love with a piece that he just had to give to Cleopatra, and he threatened the owner with death if they did not sell it to him. Under the threat of death, the owner chose to flee Egypt with his precious opal still with him.
It is now said that the only bad luck opals bring is that of not having one.
Some more suggestions where you can purchase opal if you don't have success at finding your own
There are many local stores scattered throughout Australia with the opal den being located in Melbourne, however if you wish to try your luck at finding your own, head to Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, White Cliffs or Grawin.
Look at some of my other reviews by clicking on my profile or try searching WeekendNotes for these locations for more information.
Here's a list of a few places you may like to try if you can't get to noodling for yourself
Lightning Ridge Opal Mines
www.opals.net.au
175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC. 3000, Melbourne
(03) 9654 4444
The National Opal Collection
www.nationalopal.com
119 Swanston Street, Melbourne
(03) 9662 3524
Johnston Opals
www.johnstonopals.com.au
124 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
(03) 9650 7434
Cody Opal Australia
www.codyopal.com
804/125-133 Swanston Street, Melbourne
(03) 9654 5533
Abbess Opal Mine
218/2-20 Swanston Street, Melbourne
(03) 9639 2188
