1.14 Ct. Semi-Black Opal from Australia

This specimen is a translucent semi black opal weighing 1.14 carat, with an elegant oval outline and precise dimensions of 10.14 x 6.71 x 2.62 mm, supplied by The Natural Gemstone Company. The cutting style is a tablet cut, producing a low profile tablet form that preserves the opal body while maximizing visible play of color on a flattened plane. The gem presents a multi color play of color across its surface, with red, orange, green and blue hues registering clearly against a subdued dark to intermediate body tone. The clarity grade has been assessed as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, indicating minute internal features that do not materially detract from the overall visual performance. The polish has been evaluated as excellent, delivering a smooth lustrous surface that allows the diffraction of light from the silica sphere lattice to read cleanly, and the stone is natural with no enhancement, sourced from Australia.

Optically the gem demonstrates strong diffraction and a high intensity of color, classified as intense color intensity, which is a direct consequence of the well ordered silica sphere microstructure and the semi black body tone that increases contrast. The play of color manifests as a mixture of broad flashes and smaller pinfire elements dispersed in a mosaic pattern, producing variable color dominance depending on viewing angle and lighting environment. Under raking light the red and orange components become more prominent, and under diffuse light the cooler blue and green elements provide a layered depth, creating a multi plane effect that is characteristic of quality semiblack opals. The translucent nature permits some internal light transmission, which moderates the surface contrast and creates a soft inner glow while retaining strong surface color flashes, a balance that is particularly desirable for collectors who favor both color saturation and depth.

From a lapidary and setting perspective the tablet cut offers several practical advantages, the low dome and consistent thickness of 2.62 mm reduce the risk of fracture from impact and facilitate close fitting bezel or inlay mounting in contemporary jewelry designs. The oval outline measuring 10.14 x 6.71 mm fits standard mounting templates for rings, pendants, and small brooches, and the flat profile allows for flush settings or low profile bezels that protect the perimeter while presenting the color surface prominently. The excellent polish indicates careful final buffing to remove lap lines and to achieve a mirror plane that optimizes color transfer from the internal diffractive planes to the eye. The very slightly included clarity grade implies internal features that are minor and intrinsic to opal formation, such as tiny potch pockets or microscopic silica discontinuities, however these inclusions are not detrimental to durability under normal wear provided proper mounting and care. Opal hardness and brittleness characteristics should be considered, and routine care should include avoiding ultrasonic cleaning and prolonged exposure to extreme heat or rapid humidity changes, to preserve the stone structure and its natural moisture equilibrium.

Provenance and treatment status are often critical for discerning purchasers, and this Australian semi black opal from The Natural Gemstone Company is supplied without enhancement, preserving the natural state and provenance often sought by connoisseurs and designers. The semi black body tone makes this gem highly versatile for metal pairing, working well with platinum or palladium to emphasize the cooler blue green notes, and with yellow or rose gold to warm the red and orange components, depending on the intended aesthetic. For bespoke design work the tablet profile is ideal for inlayed statement pieces or for settings that require a low profile to minimize catch, and the intense color intensity ensures the gem will remain a focal point even in smaller settings. For collectors interested in certification, additional magnified imagery and gemological reporting can be provided on request, and our team will supply handling recommendations and mounting advice to maximize both beauty and longevity. This semi black opal presents a rare combination of compact dimensions, strong multicolor play, and natural provenance, offering an attractive option for specialized jewelry projects or curated collections.