3.46 Ct. Black Opal from Australia

This beautiful translucent Black Opal offered by The Natural Gemstone Company is a standout gem among available opals, with a weight of 3.46 carat, an elegant oval shape, and precise dimensions of 12.97 x 10.58 x 3.61 mm, making it a rare find for designers and collectors who want a striking centerpiece. The tablet cut emphasizes the stone's play of color while maintaining a low profile for comfortable wear, and the multi color flashes in the body of this opal are vivid and broad, appearing more dynamic than the narrow pinfire patterns often seen in lower grade stones. Compared to common white opals and treated commercial stones, this Black Opal displays deeper contrast and more saturated tones, which makes the greens, blues, and warm flashes read more intensely against a darker background. Where many market pieces achieve color through dyeing, sugar and smoke treatments, or resin stabilization, this stone has no enhancement, which preserves its natural character and long term value.

From a technical quality standpoint this Australian Black Opal excels in the attributes that matter to professionals and informed buyers, starting with a clarity grade of very slightly included evaluated at eye level, which means the minor inclusions do not distract from the overall appearance when set. The intense color intensity is a defining advantage, because color strength is the principal driver of opal desirability, and this specimen shows color coverage and vitality that outperforms typical crystal opals and many commercial offerings. The tablet cut is particularly useful for jewelry applications where a flat, stable profile is preferred, and the excellent polish enhances the stone s surface reflectivity so the color play reads smoothly under different lighting conditions. Origin matters for provenance and market perception, and this opal comes from Australia, a source renowned for producing the highest quality Black Opals, so buyers can be confident in both the gem s pedigree and its investment potential.

When you compare this Black Opal to other colored gems and to treated opals at similar price points, the combination of natural origin, lack of enhancement, intense color, and a practical 3.46 carat weight makes it an exceptional value for custom high end jewelry. Unlike smaller stones that rely on settings to create presence, the size and color of this piece allow it to command attention even in minimalist designs, and the stability provided by the tablet cut makes it easier to secure in bezel or low profile mountings without sacrificing the dance of color. For collectors this piece is attractive as an investment grade Black Opal, because the market favors natural Australian material with excellent polish and minimal inclusions. At The Natural Gemstone Company we carefully select and document each gem, and we can assist with certification options and setting recommendations so that designers and buyers receive a finished product that retains maximum beauty and value. If you are weighing options, this opal stands apart from mass market alternatives and from lesser grade opals, and we are happy to provide additional photos, lighting views, and advice on mounting to help you make the best choice.