1.63 Ct. Multi Color Semi-Black Opal from Australia

One beautiful opaque 1.63 carat oval shape multi color opal with dimensions of 9.66 by 8.37 by 3.24 mm is presented by The Natural Gemstone Company. This specimen is identified as a Semi Black Opal, originating in Australia, and it has no enhancement. The gem displays intense color intensity across its surface, and it has been given a tablet cut and an excellent polish that together produce an even, stable presentation of the stone in hand or in setting. The oval outline and controlled proportions are optimized for wearable design, while the shallow tablet profile preserves maximum surface area for viewing the opal core and play of color.

The tablet cut on this opal is a deliberate choice to enhance the stone inherent optical behavior, especially its ability to diffract and reflect light as play of color. In opal, ordered silica spheres create interference and diffraction of visible light, and the tablet shape presents a broad, low dome that allows incident light to interact with a wider range of internal structural planes. The result is larger, more contiguous flashes of color rather than narrow pinpoints, with an appearance that shifts fluidly as the viewing angle changes. The tablet cut reduces deep internal shadowing, so the vivid patches of red, green, and blue are observed with greater saturation and clarity, while the excellent polish produces crisp reflections from the surface that translate to a clean, glossy finish with minimal surface loss of brilliance.

As a Semi Black Opal, this gem benefits from a subtly darker body tone that increases contrast and perceived depth of the play of color, and the tablet cut further magnifies that effect by maximizing the visible color field. The shallow pavilion and expanded table allow the intense color intensity to read evenly across the oval face, which is particularly effective under mixed lighting and natural daylight. The opal will respond to directional light with a lively, dynamic display, and the combination of opaque body and bright color patches creates a jewel that is both stable in appearance and visually engaging. Because there is no enhancement, the observed color distribution and surface characteristics are natural, and the excellent polish ensures that the reflective qualities are not compromised by surface roughness.

From a practical perspective, the dimensions of 9.66 by 8.37 by 3.24 mm yield a pleasing table to depth ratio that supports secure mounting while preserving the optical performance achieved by the tablet cut. The oval outline allows for a range of settings, including low profile bezels, open backed mounts where appropriate, and protective frames that maintain the integrity of the opal surface. The tablet design is well suited to pieces that favor broad, visible color display, such as solitaire pendants and cabochon rings, and the opal responds particularly well when positioned to receive light from above and the sides. The Natural Gemstone Company confirms Australian origin and no enhancement, and this Semi Black Opal is presented with attention to cut, polish, and optical presentation to ensure that its light reflection and play of color are experienced to their fullest extent.