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Freeform cabochon of Australian opal from Lightning Ridge, measuring 8.62 × 4.70 × 1.93 mm and 0.50 carats.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Australian Opal from Lightning Ridge |
| Scientific name |
SiO₂·nH₂O (amorphous hydrated silica) |
| Hardness |
5.5–6 Mohs |
| Crystal system |
Amorphous |
| Origin |
Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia |
| Dimensions |
8.62 × 4.70 × 1.93 mm (freeform) |
| Weight |
0.50 carats |
| Body color |
N8 (neutral grayish) |
| Play-of-color |
Subtle turquoise green with aqua blue undertones |
| Play-of-color intensity |
Subtle / low, diffuse light effect |
| Finish |
Polished on upper face |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Unique piece |
Yes — numbered piece nr.18, unrepeatable |
Piece Characteristics
This piece represents the most delicate and tranquil facet of Australian opal. The N8 body (grayish, close to white on the GIA scale where N1 is black and N9 is white) produces a diffuse light effect, without the intense flashes of black opal. The turquoise green play-of-color flows like a gentle stream within the stone, more contemplative than spectacular.
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Elongated freeform shape: the elongated organic outline is ideal for earrings, small pendants, or as a secondary element in compositions.
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Thinness of 1.93 mm: the slimness of the piece gives it lightness and an elegant profile.
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0.50 carats: very light weight, ideal for earrings or pendants that should not add noticeable weight.
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N8 color: light or neutral body colors (N7–N9) are more common than black (N1–N4).
Jewelry Applications
The small scale (8.62 × 4.70 mm) and delicate appearance of this piece make it suitable for minimalist jewelry and pieces of discreet elegance:
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Solitaire earring: a single earring in 925 silver with a very fine bezel setting (0.5–0.7 mm) that leaves most of the opal surface visible.
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Minimalist pendant: on a thin 40–45 cm chain, close to the neck, where the subtle shimmer is visible up close.
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Secondary element in earrings: combined with a more intense opal piece like nr.16 (triangular, 15.1 ct), it can act as a calmer counterbalance in an asymmetrical earring design.
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Delicate wire wrapping: the small dimensions allow for a minimal wrap of 2-3 coils in 925 silver of 0.6–0.8 mm thickness so as not to visually dominate the stone.
The subtle turquoise green works particularly well with mirror-polished silver (which amplifies luminosity) and with white gold (a similar color temperature combination).
Care Guide for Australian Opal
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Cleaning: soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth. Never submerge in liquids.
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Avoid ultrasonics: vibrations can cause internal microfractures.
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Avoid steam and temperature changes
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Avoid impacts: the thinness of 1.93 mm makes this piece particularly sensitive to impacts.
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Avoid prolonged intense UV light exposure: can alter the opal's water content in the long term.
History and Provenance
Lightning Ridge is the only place in the world where gem-quality black opals are mined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the play-of-color of this piece subtle and not intense like other opals?
The play-of-color of opal depends on the size and regularity of the silica spheres that diffract light. The N8 (grayish) body and the low intensity of the play-of-color indicate that the nanospheres in this piece preferentially diffract wavelengths from the green-blue spectrum with moderate intensity.
Does opal from Lightning Ridge guarantee higher quality than from other sources?
Lightning Ridge is recognized by international gemological laboratories as the most valued source for black opal. However, this piece has an N8 (grayish) body, not black.
Note: Crystal meanings are spiritual supports, not substitutes for medical prescriptions.
