14.07 Ct. Boulder Opal from Australia

This listing describes a single, high quality Boulder Opal, supplied and certified by The Natural Gemstone Company. The specimen is an opaque, freeform shape, weighing 14.07 carats, with exact dimensions of 31.30 by 13.00 by 4.40 millimeters. The piece originates from Australia, and it is presented in a tablet cut with an excellent polish. No enhancements have been applied, the stone is untreated and natural, which preserves both its intrinsic stability and its full play of color. As a Boulder Opal, the opal layer is retained on its ironstone matrix, providing natural backing and structural integrity, and the freeform tablet presentation accentuates the multi color display while maintaining a thin profile that is well suited for contemporary setting techniques.

From a cutting and finishing perspective, the tablet cut employed on this stone is optimized to showcase broad angular flashes and linear color bands. The cutter preserved a low profile, flat to gently domed table surface, in order to maximize surface area for play of color while maintaining an even thickness of 4.40 millimeters. The freeform outline is asymmetrical and tapered, which indicates selective orientation of the opal seam to prioritize the most saturated color zones in the finished face up appearance. Edgework has been executed with tight beveling and controlled rounding, producing a smooth transition from face to girdle that minimizes stress risers. The excellent polish on the tablet face is the result of progressive abrasives and final rouge finishing, delivering a high gloss that allows rapid color change with small viewing angle shifts, and the ironstone backing was left integral to provide the mechanical support required for thin opal terrain.

Optically, this Boulder Opal exhibits intense color intensity across multiple hues, with dominant blues and greens complemented by localized red and purple flashes. The play of color displays both broad flash and narrow ribbon like patterning, which is characteristic of layered silica platelets in combination with the host ironstone. The dark body tone supplied by the ironstone matrix increases perceived color saturation and contrast, causing even shallow color patches to read as highly vivid against the near opaque background. Color distribution is non uniform along the freeform face, which is advantageous for bespoke design work, since the stone offers zones of concentrated fire that can be selectively displayed through bezel windows or asymmetrical settings. The spectral effects are consistent with diffraction from uniform silica sphere stacking, and the intensity rating of the material is strong, giving quick and decisive color responses under both direct and indirect light sources.

For practical use and setting recommendations, this 31.30 by 13.00 by 4.40 millimeter tablet cut Boulder Opal is ideal for use in pendants, brooches, and protected ring styles, especially when set with a full bezel or a custom inlay mount to shield the thin edges and to exploit the directional color play. The ironstone backing makes the stone more robust than a freestanding crystal opal, permitting a slimmer profile in rings when the design includes substantial metal support. We advise against settings that leave the thin tapered end fully exposed to impact, and recommend cabochon style bezels with an internal seat matched to the freeform outline for maximum security. Thermal and chemical stability is better for boulder hosted material, however care should still be taken to avoid extreme heat, sudden thermal shock, and strong household chemicals. Routine cleaning with mild soap and water and gentle soft cloth drying is preferred, and ultrasonic or steam cleaning is not recommended due to the potential for micro fissure expansion in natural opal seams.

The Natural Gemstone Company includes this Boulder Opal as part of our select inventory of untreated Australian opals, and all pieces undergo a controlled lapidary protocol and visual quality assessment prior to listing. We document weight, dimensions, cut style, origin, and enhancement status as part of our provenance reporting, and we provide high resolution imagery and viewing notes to assist in design decisions. For jewelry makers seeking a distinctive, technically interesting opal, this freeform tablet offers pronounced optical effects, a structurally sound ironstone foundation, and a profile that adapts well to modern and classic settings. Please contact The Natural Gemstone Company for additional lighting view photographs, lap imaging, or recommendations for mounting techniques to fully exploit the intense multi color character of this 14.07 carat boulder opal.