21.19 Ct. Cabochon White Opal from Australia

This pear shaped, cabochon cut treasure is one of the most discreetly spectacular gems we have had the privilege to offer at The Natural Gemstone Company, a singular piece for a collector who values rarity and refined understatement. We present a White Opal, an opaque 21.19 carat orange opal, hand selected for its balanced play of color and pristine surface condition, a gem that reads like a private sunset captured in stone. The overall impression is of gentle luminosity and dancing fire, an object that feels bespoke from the moment you see it, and an opportunity to own something that is not available to everyone. Ownership of this opal confers a subtle authority, a membership in a select circle of connoisseurs who recognize the beauty of natural, untreated material, and who appreciate the scarcity of a quality Australian White Opal of this size and character.

For the exacting buyer who cares about provenance and material specifications, this opal measures 24.14 by 18.90 by 8.80 millimeters, offering a strong visual presence without losing elegance. The weight is 21.19 carats, the shape is pear, the cut is cabochon, and the clarity is graded very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, which means that inclusions do not detract from the gem’s visual impact when viewed in hand. Color intensity is medium, showcasing warm orange flashes that interplay with opalescent whites and discreet greens, a harmonious palette that makes this stone versatile for custom jewelry. The polish is excellent, the finish is smooth to the touch, and importantly, this gem has no enhancement, a pure natural opal from Australia, a source celebrated for producing some of the world’s most desirable opals. As a White Opal, it carries the serene base tone associated with classic opalistry while delivering unexpected vitality through its orange fire.

When planning wear and setting, durability is an important consideration, and it is helpful to compare this opal on the Mohs scale. Opal typically registers between about 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which places it well below sapphire at 9 and diamond at 10, and slightly below quartz at 7. This relative softness means that while the stone can be worn and enjoyed daily, it benefits from thoughtful design choices that protect the dome and edges, such as a bezel setting or protective halo, rather than an exposed prong design that may catch or chip the cabochon. The opal’s internal structure and water content contribute to its lower hardness compared with crystalline gemstones, so we advise avoiding ultrasonic and steam cleaning, and recommending gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, followed by thorough drying. Remove the piece during activities that risk hard knocks, and avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme heat, to preserve both the surface and the vibrant play of color that makes this gem exceptional.

This opal is offered with the confidence that it will be treasured by someone who understands that true rarity is not loudly proclaimed, but quietly claimed. The Natural Gemstone Company stands ready to assist with bespoke design services, secure mounting options that emphasize protection and style, and personalized guidance to ensure your new White Opal lives a life of admired longevity. Because stones of this size, with natural color and no enhancement, are uncommon, we encourage serious collectors to contact us to reserve this pear shaped orange opal, to request additional detailed imagery, or to discuss tailored settings that will transform this gem into an heirloom piece. Owning this opal means owning a slice of Australian earth, a handcrafted spectacle of light, and joining a refined group of owners who possess objects that are both rare and intimately beautiful.