2.81 Ct. Cabochon Black Opal from Australia

Born from ancient whispers of water and silica, this Black Opal began its journey deep within the heart of Australia, where conditions across millennia allowed microscopic spheres of silica to settle and harden into one of the most intriguing gemstones on Earth. Generations of earth have cradled this jewel, and miners, whose hands follow timeworn seams and subtle signs in the landscape, brought it to the surface. At The Natural Gemstone Company we honor that path by tracing each stone back to its origin and sharing the story with you. This particular opal carries the quiet history of its birthplace in every shimmer, a story of geological patience, and a cultural resonance that connects modern collectors to the long human fascination with opals. Indigenous Australians and early settlers alike held opals in esteem, and that reverence continues as we carefully select and preserve pieces that speak to both natural wonder and human craftsmanship.

The stone you see is one beautiful opaque 2.81 carat oval shape multi color opal, with dimensions of 12.08 x 8.57 x 4.20 mm, cut into a smooth cabochon to best reveal its play of color, and finished with an excellent polish. Classified as a Black Opal, this gem presents a medium intense color intensity that shifts with movement and light, offering greens, blues, and ephemeral flashes of other hues that rise from within its depths. No enhancement has been applied, the stone is natural as pulled from the field and refined only by the experienced hands of our cutters and polishers, who read the internal pattern like a map and coax out the most attractive face with minimal removal of material. The oval silhouette was chosen to balance weight retention with aesthetic appeal, creating a versatile shape that sits gracefully in settings for pendants, rings, or bespoke designs, and the cabochon cut preserves the opal’s internal fire while providing a comfortable profile for wear.

When considering durability, it is important to compare opal on the Mohs scale to ensure realistic expectations for daily wear. Opal typically ranks between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, and Black Opal falls within that same range. This places it below more robust gems such as sapphire and ruby at 9, and below quartz at 7, while being markedly harder than organic materials like pearl. What this means in practical terms is that although this opal carries substantial resilience for everyday jewelry that is worn with care, it requires protective consideration. A bezel or halo setting from The Natural Gemstone Company will help shield the edges and reduce the risk of chips, while pendants and earrings are ideal positions for long term wear with minimal impact. Cleaning should be gentle, using mild soap and lukewarm water with a soft cloth, and avoiding ultrasonic cleaners and steam, which can cause microfractures. With mindful wear, this Black Opal will maintain its polished surface and lively color play for generations.

As you imagine this Black Opal set into a design of your choosing, consider that you are acquiring a tangible piece of Australian landscape and history, a stone that is both a conversation starter and a personal talisman. Our gemologists at The Natural Gemstone Company have inspected this gem to confirm its natural state, its cabochon cut, and its excellent polish, and we present it as an unenhanced treasure ready for mounting. The subtle yet complex interplay of color in this 2.81 carat oval multi color opal invites bespoke settings that honor its origin and protect its structure, whether through a custom gold bezel, an Artisan crafted silver frame, or a modern design that showcases the stone as the centerpiece. If you desire guidance on mounting options that maximize both beauty and safety, our team is ready to assist, providing recommendations based on the stone’s dimensions and the lifestyle of the wearer. Owning this Black Opal means carrying a story from ancient sediments to refined jewelry, a journey we are proud to facilitate at The Natural Gemstone Company, and a legacy you may pass on as an object of wonder and connection.