0.70 Ct. Cabochon Black Opal from Australia

This listing describes one beautiful Black Opal from Australia, expertly cut and polished by The Natural Gemstone Company, offering a combination of technical refinement and natural spectacle. The gem weighs 0.70 carat and measures 6.76 x 5.03 x 3.35 mm, presented in an oval cabochon shape that maximizes the stone s play of color. The body of the opal is opaque, with intense color intensity and an excellent polish that produces a deep luster across the dome. This piece shows multiple colors within the play of color, with dominant green and blue flashes and secondary warmer tones that create a lively, multicolored display when viewed from different angles. The cabochon cut is the traditional and most effective cut for opal, designed to enhance directionality of color and to protect the stone s surface by using a rounded profile.

From a grading and gemological perspective this stone is notable for several reasons. As a Black Opal the specimen is classified by a dark body tone, which provides the highest contrast background for the play of color and typically commands a premium in the market. Clarity in opals is assessed differently than in faceted gems, and in this case the opal is opaque with a clean surface free from visible fractures or crazing, and no evidence of internal potch interrupting the color play. The intense color intensity, combined with a broad, well distributed pattern of color patches, contributes strongly to its grade. The origin is Australia, which is the benchmark source for high quality Black Opal, and this provenance enhances both desirability and market value because Australian deposits are known for producing the most vivid and stable black body tone specimens. Importantly this opal is unenhanced, with no treatment applied, which is a critical factor for educated buyers because many opals are subjected to treatments to deepen body tone or stabilize material, and an untreated natural Black Opal retains higher long term value and authenticity.

For the informed buyer the value drivers are clear and measurable, and this opal performs strongly across them. The combination of Black Opal body tone, intense and multicolored play of color, cabochon cut that preserves and projects color, and the lack of enhancement, creates a gem that is both aesthetically striking and defensible as a quality purchase. At 0.70 carat the stone is well suited for use in a high quality ring, pendant, or custom commission, and the size and proportions are ideal for a setting that showcases the dome and color without overwhelming the piece. Practical considerations further support the appeal to collectors and connoisseurs. Opal is a hydrated silica and therefore benefits from protective settings, such as a bezel or low profile prong design, and should be kept away from extreme heat and aggressive cleaning methods including ultrasonic machines and steam. Light cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soapy water is recommended, and occasional inspection of the mounting will preserve both appearance and structural integrity. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the gem s description and provenance, and we are prepared to provide additional photos at multiple angles and lighting conditions, as well as independent gemological documentation on request. For a buyer seeking a naturally occurring, untreated Black Opal with strong color presence and excellent surface finish, this Australian cabochon represents a durable and collectible example that combines visual impact with sound gemological fundamentals.