Free-form teardrop cabochon of Australian opal from Lightning Ridge (New South Wales, Australia). Dimensions: 8.16 × 5.00 × 2.66 mm, weight 0.65 ct. Multicolored flashes — yellow, green, and blue-purple — on an N9 white body.
Item details
| Mineral |
Australian opal (hydrated mineraloid, SiO₂·nH₂O) |
| Dimensions |
8.16 × 5.00 × 2.66 mm |
| Weight |
0.65 ct |
| Shape and back |
Free-form teardrop, flat polished back |
| Body color |
N9 (white) |
| Play of color |
Multicolored — yellow, green, and blue-purple in mobile flashes |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
5.5–6.5 Mohs — we recommend a closed bezel setting to protect the edges |
| Origin |
Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia |
| Treatment |
Untreated. The opal contains water in its structure; no stabilization or impregnation process has been applied. |
| Item type |
Unique piece |
This specific piece
The teardrop silhouette of this piece follows the natural geometry of the original fragment, adapted by the lapidary to highlight the distribution of the play of color. The main flash is golden-yellow, shifting to green and blue-purple depending on the angle: a color sequence that spans the visible spectrum from warm to cool with just a few degrees of rotation.
The depth of the piece (2.66 mm over just 8 mm long) is unusually high for its lateral dimensions.
How play of color forms in opal
Opal's play of color is an optical phenomenon caused by diffraction, not pigmentation. The internal structure of quality opal is composed of hydrated silica spheres — between 0.15 and 0.30 micrometers in diameter — arranged in regular layers that act as a three-dimensional diffraction grating.
For what setting does it work
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Pendant with custom 925 silver setting — the teardrop silhouette is one of the most versatile shapes for a pendant; the narrowest point allows for an integrated bail in the bezel, without the need to drill the stone.
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Bezel setting (925 silver or other precious metals) — the 5.5–6.5 Mohs hardness requires lateral protection; the closed bezel encloses the perimeter of the teardrop and protects the lower apex, which is the most vulnerable point in this shape.
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Wire wrap — an alternative for those who work with wire wrapping; the conical shape of the teardrop makes it easy to build a wire nest that supports the piece from the base without pressing on the face.
Australian opal in lapidary tradition
Lightning Ridge is the most famous opal-producing region in the world. The first documented finds date back to the late 19th century, when prospectors began working the black clays of northwestern New South Wales.
In crystal tradition, opal is associated with inspiration, creativity, and the perception of changing beauty — qualities that are directly reflected in the mineral's optical behavior: a stone that never shows the same color twice from the same angle.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
How to recognize genuine Australian opal
Authentic opal exhibits a play of color that changes with the viewing angle — it is not a fixed iridescence. Under magnification, the surface shows a homogeneous texture without bubbles, glued layers, or visible joints (indicators of a doublet or triplet). Synthetic opals often show a scaly color pattern ("lizard skin") that appears artificial under 10× magnification.
Frequently asked questions
Does this opal really come from Lightning Ridge?
Yes. This cabochon was acquired directly from specialized Australian suppliers and cut in our workshop. Lightning Ridge (New South Wales) is the main source of opal with high-intensity play of color in Australia.
Has it received any treatment?
No detectable treatment. Opal contains between 3% and 10% water in its internal structure; no stabilization or resin impregnation process has been applied. Statement based on lapidary observation; the piece does not include formal gemological certification.
See also: all cabochons · lapidary collection.
