2.44 Ct. Boulder Opal from Australia

This is a striking Boulder Opal that stands out immediately for its natural beauty and uncompromised quality, a rare find that I am proud to present from The Natural Gemstone Company. Weighing 2.44 carat and shaped into a graceful pear, this multi color opal measures 15.29 by 5.79 by 2.87 mm, and it displays an opaque body with vivid play of color that shifts from fiery red and orange to deep blue and brilliant green. The tablet cut brings the color to the surface in broad, dramatic flashes, and the excellent polish gives a smooth reflective finish that magnifies the stone character. Unlike doublets and triplets which are layered constructions created to imitate the appearance of natural opal, this boulder opal is natural and untreated, with no enhancement, originating from Australia where some of the finest opals in the world form in ironstone matrices. In comparison to common opal that often lacks play of color, and to softer hydrated varieties that can be fragile, this opal offers intense color saturation and the inherent stability that comes from the ironstone host. When buyers compare stones on clarity and durability, boulder opal frequently outperforms because the natural backing provides both contrast and toughness that allow for everyday wear without sacrificing color.

From a value perspective this boulder opal surpasses many alternatives on the market because it combines natural origin, substantial carat weight, and a bold color palette in a refined pear profile that is ready to set. Many sellers offer assembled opals that present bright faces but require delicate care and risk delamination, or they sell lighter weight stones with color only visible at certain angles, yet this piece presents full face color with an intense and consistent vibrancy that reads beautifully in jewelry. The tablet cut is a considered choice for stones that exhibit broad flash patterns, because it preserves the pattern continuity and avoids the thin edges that can be vulnerable in fragile specimens. The dimensions 15.29 by 5.79 by 2.87 mm make this stone versatile for a variety of designs, from an elegant pendant to a custom ring that benefits from the elongated pear silhouette. Compared with black opal which can command higher prices for similar colors, this boulder opal often delivers comparable visual impact at a more accessible value, because the ironstone matrix offers a contrast that intensifies the color play without the premium cost associated with mined free form solid black opal of similar appearance.

For collectors and designers seeking a centerpiece that will perform in both beauty and longevity, this Australian Boulder Opal from The Natural Gemstone Company is an excellent choice. The lack of enhancement means you are acquiring a natural gemstone as it was formed, not a stabilized or assembled substitute, and that authenticity matters for long term value and for clients who appreciate natural origin. In practical terms the ironstone backing of boulder opal improves toughness and reduces the risk of chipping compared to thinner freeface opals, making it more suitable for everyday rings and pendants, and the excellent polish ensures that settings will show off color to the fullest. When compared to mass market simulated opals and lab grown alternatives that can fade or fail to display genuine color play, this stone offers the unmistakable depth and patterning that only natural Australian opal can provide. If you are considering settings, a bezel can protect the edges and complement the elongated pear shape, while a secure prong design can showcase more of the face if you prefer a more open look, and either approach will highlight the vivid green, blue, and red flashes that make this piece exceptional. As a representative of The Natural Gemstone Company I can assure you that this boulder opal is selected for its visual impact, natural state, and enduring quality, making it a superior option for discerning buyers who want true opal character, investment potential, and wearable durability.