2.49 Ct. Black Opal from Australia

This Black Opal is a precisely characterized gem, weighing 2.49 carats, presented in an elegant oval outline, with exact dimensions of 11.36 by 9.32 by 3.85 mm. The cutting style is a tablet cut, selected to maximize the optical phenomenon characteristic of gem opal while preserving structural integrity and surface area. Clarity is graded very slightly included at eye level, indicating minute internal features that do not detract from face up appearance or play of color. Color intensity is rated intense, with a broad multi color palette visible across the tablet surface, and the stone displays an excellent polish that yields immediate luster and a crisp termination of color planes. This specimen is verified as natural, with no enhancement, and it originates from Australia, supplied and authenticated by The Natural Gemstone Company.

Optically the gem demonstrates high contrast between the dark body tone associated with Black Opal and the vibrant spectral flashes that define its desirability. The tablet cut produces a shallow crown and a broad surface area which emphasizes the opal s color bar orientation, allowing multiple color patches and broad flashes to remain visible under varying angles of observation. The multi color display ranges from electric greens and deep blues to flashes of red and orange depending on viewing angle and incident light. Intense color intensity in this opal indicates both saturation and brightness, with colors that are readily resolved against the darker backing. The very slightly included clarity grading signals the presence of fine internal features such as minimal potch or minor matrix inclusions, however these are not disruptive to the aggregate color effect and are generally inconspicuous when the stone is set and properly lit.

From a craftsmanship perspective the tablet cut of this oval opal reflects intentional choices by the lapidary to balance face up color with durability. The 3.85 mm thickness is sufficiently conservative to provide stability and resistance to fracture under normal wear, while remaining thin enough to present a broad, uninterrupted color field. The lapidary has oriented the color bars parallel to the table plane, ensuring that the most intense spectral bands remain face up in standard jewelry settings. Edge finishing and transition from table to perimeter are executed with attention to uniformity, preventing abrupt facets or uneven shading that could visually fragment the play of color. The excellent polish is the result of controlled abrasive progression and final lapping that yields a smooth, reflective interface, critical for maximizing color contrast in Black Opal because any surface irregularity can diffuse light and diminish perceived intensity. The oval outline is cut with symmetric axes to facilitate precision setting, and the balance of length to width preserves classic proportions suitable for a variety of mounting styles.

Conscious consumers will appreciate not only the gemological attributes of this Black Opal, but also the provenance and ethical considerations associated with its supply chain. The Natural Gemstone Company sources this opal from Australian operations that adhere to local regulatory frameworks, and the distribution pathway includes documentation confirming natural origin and absence of treatment. No enhancement has been applied to this specimen, which aligns with preferences for authentic, untreated gems. Sourcing practices prioritize traceability and fair compensation for miners, and efforts are made to minimize environmental impact through rehabilitation of worked areas and support for community based initiatives. For the collector who integrates sustainability into selection criteria, this opal represents a responsible choice that combines high technical quality with verified ethical sourcing. Practical care recommendations for maintaining the integrity of the tablet cut include avoiding thermal shock, limiting exposure to solvents and harsh chemicals, and preferring protective bezel or low profile prong settings that reduce direct impact risk to the broad table. When set correctly, this 2.49 carat Black Opal functions both as a technical specimen for study and as a distinctive centerpiece for conscious jewelry collections, reflecting rigorous lapidary skill and an ethical provenance supported by The Natural Gemstone Company.