1.30 Ct. Cabochon White Opal from Australia

This translucent, multi color White Opal from Australia is a refined example of natural gem material, presented by The Natural Gemstone Company. The gem weighs 1.30 carats and is cut into a classic oval with exact dimensions of 10.19 x 8.10 x 2.45 mm. The cabochon cut has been executed to exacting standards to present a smooth domed profile that favors the opal s play of color, while its medium color intensity balances a delicate background with lively internal flashes. Clarity is described as very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, and the stone carries an excellent polish and no enhancement. Taken together these objective details provide an immediate technical picture of the stone, useful for anyone assessing rarity, market value, and suitability for bespoke jewelry manufacture.

The optical character that sets this opal apart originates in its internal microstructure, and a clear explanation helps an educated buyer appreciate why its sparkle is unmatched by many other gem species. Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica in which microscopic silica spheres have self assembled into regular arrays during geologic processes. When these spheres are close packed in a uniform arrangement they act as a three dimensional diffraction grating, separating white light into discrete spectral colors and producing the phenomenon known as play of color. In this White Opal the translucent body allows light to penetrate the dome of the cabochon and interact with the silica lattice over multiple internal layers, creating depth and movement to the flashes of red, green, and blue that appear as the stone is tilted. The cabochon profile is particularly advantageous because it presents a continuous curved surface that guides incoming light to meet the internal diffraction planes at angles that maximize color separation, while the medium color intensity of the body tone provides sufficient contrast for the color to read clearly without masking the phenomenon.

Grading and surface quality are crucial when evaluating opals, and this specimen performs strongly on those criteria. The clarity grade of very slightly included, assessed at eye level, indicates minimal internal features that do not detract from the overall aesthetic or the transmission of color. These minor inclusions are typical in natural opal and in many cases contribute to the gem s character rather than diminish its value. The excellent polish increases specular reflection from the dome, enhancing the apparent brightness of the play of color, and the cabochon cutter has maintained even thickness across the 2.45 mm depth to optimize optical performance. The lack of enhancement is particularly important for the discerning collector, because treatments such as smoke, sugar and acid, or resin impregnation change the stone s optical and physical characteristics and are less stable over time. An untreated Australian White Opal with natural translucency and multi color play is therefore more desirable, and the provenance from Australia further supports its market position, as Australian deposits are recognized for producing well-structured opal material with consistent play of color.

For a buyer who values both geological pedigree and practical considerations, this opal offers a compelling combination of attributes. The 1.30 carat weight and the 10.19 by 8.10 millimeter oval make it an excellent choice for a center stone in a ring setting where the cabochon dome can be displayed prominently, or for a refined pendant where the interaction of ambient light and the opal s internal structure can be appreciated. From a physical durability perspective buyers should note that opal typically registers around 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, so sensible protective design choices and routine care will preserve the stone s polish and optical performance. Avoiding harsh chemical exposure, sudden temperature changes, and ultrasonic cleaning will maintain the stone s surface and its natural hydration balance. Presented by The Natural Gemstone Company this Australian White Opal, with its measured dimensions, specified clarity and unenhanced status, represents a transparent and verifiable offering for collectors, designers, and connoisseurs who want a scientifically grounded explanation of why the opal s internal structure produces a visual effect that is distinct and prized across the jewelry market.