3.35 Ct. Black Opal from Australia

One translucent Black Opal, weight 3.35 carat, oval shape, multi color play of color, tablet cut, dimensions 14.16 by 8.96 by 5.58 mm, origin Australia, no enhancement. This gem is presented by The Natural Gemstone Company as an example of the darker body tone opals that are commonly classified as Black Opal, a designation that reflects the deep background that enhances play of color rather than a literal black composition. The tablet cut produces a low profile with a thin, flat top and subtle convex base, delivering a contemporary silhouette while maintaining generous surface area for the display of internal color. The stone is translucent, permitting light interaction across internal color patches and contributing to the depth of its visual presence. The weight and dimensions provide a substantial yet wearable size suited to a variety of settings, with a compact thickness that defines the tablet form and lends itself to designs that favor a low center of gravity.

Visual assessment indicates an intense color intensity with a primary palette of deep blue and vibrant green flashes across the dark field, and secondary hints of teal and aqua depending on viewing angle and lighting conditions. The play of color is broad and smoothly distributed, with larger patches of bright green appearing against a predominantly cobalt blue ground, creating a striking contrast. Clarity is graded as eye clean when examined at normal viewing distance and typical retail lighting, with no inclusions visible to the unaided eye that would distract from the overall pattern and color. The polish is excellent, providing a high gloss surface that enhances the stone interaction with incident light and improves color saturation. The tablet cut emphasizes the planar expanse of play of color, and the even polish ensures that surface reflections do not obscure the internal fire.

From a gemological and practical standpoint, this Australian Black Opal is presented without any enhancement, confirming that its observed color and clarity attributes are natural. Black Opals from Australia are recognized for their intense and saturated play of color, and the specimen at hand aligns with that reputation through its vivid blue and green palette and its dark background which maximizes contrast. The tablet cut confers specific setting considerations, as the thin profile benefits bezel settings and low crowned mountings, and may be preferable in pendants, brooches, or rings designed with protective bezels that shield the edges. Given the opal family hardness range, which is lower than many traditional gemstones, care in daily wear and setting design is advisable to prevent chipping and abrasion. The absence of enhancements contributes to the stone value from a collector and connoisseur perspective, and provides predictable behavior in response to cleaning and maintenance.

Handling and care recommendations are straightforward and intended to preserve the intense play of color and the excellent polish. Clean with a soft cloth and warm water with mild soap, avoiding prolonged soaking and mechanical cleaning methods such as ultrasonic or steam devices. Protect the tablet cut edges from hard impacts and store the gem separately in a padded compartment to prevent contact with harder materials that could abrade the surface. Avoid exposure to strong chemicals, prolonged direct heat, or sudden temperature fluctuations which can induce internal stresses in opal material. For mounting, consider a bezel with gentle metal contact around the perimeter to secure the thin profile and reduce edge vulnerability, and consult a qualified jeweler for custom settings that accommodate the tablet form while prioritizing protection. For any further technical information or assistance with design integration, The Natural Gemstone Company can provide detailed measurements, high resolution images, and professional guidance to ensure the stone is incorporated into a setting that preserves its visual and structural integrity.