1.63 Ct. Multi Color Cabochon Black Opal (Dark Opal) from Australia

One solid 1.63 carat, fancy shape, multi color Black Opal, also referred to as Dark Opal, is presented by The Natural Gemstone Company. The gem measures 8.08 x 8.10 x 3.31 mm, and it has been fashioned as a cabochon, finished with an excellent polish. The material is opaque, exhibiting intense color intensity across the surface, and it is a natural Australian specimen with no enhancement. The cabochon cutting style and the polished dome are selected to maximize the opal play and to present a stable, wearable profile. As supplied, this is a solid unenhanced Black Opal, and its combination of uniform thickness, quality polish, and coherent body tone defines its suitability for fine jewelry applications.

Optical characteristics are a primary attribute of this Black Opal, with pronounced, multi color play set against a dark body tone. The stone shows vivid flashes of red and orange as dominant hues, supported by secondary green and blue reflections that shift with changes in angle and light source. The cabochon contour accentuates broad flashes and diffuse color patches, creating a balanced appearance when mounted. The intense color intensity noted in our assessment results from a combination of the opal structure and the cutter decision to preserve color baring in a slightly domed profile. The excellent polish enhances surface luster and contrast, allowing color pattern and saturation to remain the focal elements of the gem when viewed in typical lighting conditions.

From a durability perspective, Black Opal is an amorphous silica with a Mohs hardness commonly reported in the range of 5.5 to 6.5, and this specimen conforms to expected material properties for natural Australian opal. The 3.31 mm thickness provides a solid cross section that reduces the risk of penetration during normal wear, and the cabochon dome offers better distribution of contact forces than a sharp facet edge. Because this opal is unenhanced and solid, it does not contain the vulnerable interfaces or adhesives that can be present in assembled materials such as doublets or triplets. Nevertheless, opal remains more sensitive to sudden thermal shock and extreme mechanical impact than harder gem materials, and standard protective measures are advised to preserve long term integrity.

With appropriate setting and routine care, this Australian Black Opal is well suited for daily wear in many jewelry designs. Recommended mounting approaches include a protective bezel or low profile mount that shields the perimeter and minimizes direct edge contact, settings that reduce the chance of sharp impact. Routine maintenance should consist of gentle cleaning with warm water and a mild soap, followed by drying with a soft cloth, and avoidance of steam cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners. Exposure to harsh chemicals and prolonged immersion in solvents should be avoided, and removal during heavy manual work is prudent. When stored, the gem should be kept apart from harder stones to prevent abrasion, in a padded pouch or compartment. The Natural Gemstone Company provides this Black Opal as a ready to set natural material, and the combination of its solid state, excellent polish, cabochon geometry, and sufficient thickness supports reliable use in daily wearable pieces when mounted and cared for in accordance with the recommendations above.