0.76 Ct. Cabochon Crystal/Jelly Opal from Australia

This listing presents one exquisite Crystal Jelly Opal from Australia, weighing 0.76 carat, with dimensions of 8.13 x 5.94 x 2.52 mm, cut to an oval outline and finished as a cabochon, semi transparent in body transparency, with a clarity grade of very slightly included at eye level, and a medium intense color intensity, exhibiting an excellent polish and no enhancement, provided by The Natural Gemstone Company. The crystal or jelly classification denotes a translucent to semi transparent body that allows light to penetrate and interact with the internal silica sphere lattice, producing vibrant play of color that appears to float within the stone rather than sitting only on the surface. The oval shape was chosen for its efficiency in retaining weight while offering a broad face up area to display multi color flashes across the crown, and the cabochon style emphasizes the internal color dynamics by presenting a smooth, continuous dome that refracts and disperses incident light. Origin information is critical for collectors and designers, and Australian provenance here confirms typical opal formation in siliceous seams and lends confidence in natural, untreated status, which is corroborated by the no enhancement declaration.

The cutting and finishing details speak to deliberate lapidary choices, beginning with preforming that respects the original rough orientation of color bars, followed by progressive grit sanding to establish a symmetrical oval profile and a uniform dome geometry, and concluding with a final polish using cerium oxide on a soft felt lap to achieve the excellent polish reported. Cabochon geometry was balanced to a moderate dome height relative to the 8.13 by 5.94 mm table, providing enough curvature to optimize light entry and internal reflection while avoiding excessive dome thickness that would reduce face up brilliance or complicate setting. The girdle is controlled to allow a secure bezel seat, and weight retention was negotiated to maintain 0.76 carat while preserving color pattern integrity. In the absence of faceting, the cutter focused on surface continuity and symmetry, eliminating lopsided curvature and ensuring the table is free from polish pits, all of which allow the play of color to register cleanly under loupe and in direct light, attributes appreciated by experienced buyers and setters.

Optical and clarity characteristics are central to evaluating this opal, and the semi transparent body facilitates a layered appearance where greens, blues, warm oranges and flashes of red are visible as broad flash and smaller pinfire elements depending on viewing angle and incident light. The medium intense color intensity describes saturation that is lively without being overly dark, providing versatility for settings and for color contrast against various metals and gemstones. Very slightly included evaluated at eye level indicates minor internal features that do not materially interrupt the color play or structural integrity for typical jewelry use, yet these inclusions can serve as natural identifiers for provenance and authenticity records. The internal scattering mechanisms typical of crystal opal are present, with diffraction from ordered silica spheres producing the spectral display, and the semi transparent ground color allows depth perception that creates a three dimensional impression of color movement when the stone is tilted or when the light source is shifted.

For practical application the piece is recommended for bezel set rings, pendants, or studs where the cabochon dome can be protected and the play of color oriented to the primary sight line, with a bezel margin that accommodates the controlled girdle thickness and secures the stone against lateral stress. Due to opal hardness sitting at about five and a half to six and a half on the Mohs scale, care in everyday wear is advised, avoiding abrasive contact and sudden thermal shock, and cleaning should be limited to mild soapy water and a soft cloth, avoiding ultrasonic or steam cleaners. The untreated nature of this Australian Crystal Jelly Opal ensures long term stability when handled appropriately, and for clients seeking bespoke mounting or documentation, The Natural Gemstone Company provides imaging under controlled lighting, optional certification procedures, and guidance on optimal orientation within designs to maximize face up color dispersion. This opal represents a technically sound choice for connoisseurs who value precise lapidary work, transparent disclosure of clarity and treatment status, and the intrinsic optical complexity that Crystal Jelly Opals are prized for.