3.96 Ct. Cabochon Semi-Black Opal from Australia

From the moment this gem first formed deep beneath the prehistoric sands of Australia, it began a quiet and extraordinary journey. Silica rich waters seeped into the earth, and over millennia tiny spheres arranged themselves just so, trapping light and memory inside a crystal like lattice. What emerged is an opaque multi color opal of rare presence, a Semi Black Opal that carries flashes of red, green, and blue like embers in a dawn sky. At 3.96 carat and with dimensions of 15.69 by 9.47 by 4.13 millimeters, this oval shaped treasure is already uncommon among opals. Most semi black material appears in smaller sizes or with less dramatic color play, and pieces with both substantial size and a medium intense color intensity are few and worth noting. Our cutters recognized the promise held in the rough, and they shaped it into a classic cabochon cut that honors the stone rather than forcing it to conform. The result is a gem that seems alive inside, a living map of the geological history that created it.

The story continues at The Natural Gemstone Company as we brought this opal from pit to polish with care and respect. Australian miners who understood the ground gently extracted the host, and from that first discovery we measured and examined the piece with experienced eyes. This Semi Black Opal is opaque rather than transparent, and that opacity gives its color patches a dramatic contrast that is rare at this carat weight. Our lapidaries spent hours assessing the internal pattern, following veins of color, and orienting the oval so that each movement of light would reveal a new facet of brilliance. There was no enhancement applied, no dyeing, no resin filling, no doublets or triplets, just natural structure and expert shaping. The final dimensions preserve the presence of the stone while allowing ease of setting, and the excellent polish provides a smooth lustrous surface that magnifies the play of color. When compared to similar options on the market, this opal stands out not only for its size, but for the evenness of color distribution across its face and for the intensity of flashes that appear with the gentlest tilt.

Owning this opal is to carry a condensed story of the earth and of human hands that honored it. In many cultures opal has been prized for its mystical light and its capacity to inspire, and a Semi Black Opal of this scale has always been regarded as particularly special. Set in a simple bezel or a more elaborate halo, the 3.96 carat oval will command attention without overpowering its wearer. Its medium intense color intensity makes it versatile for daily wear or for a signature piece that marks a milestone. At The Natural Gemstone Company we include provenance details and stand behind the authenticity of every gem, and in this case we confirm Australian origin, no enhancement, cabochon cut, and excellent polish. This opal invites conversation and contemplation, it links the wearer to an ancient process of formation and to a community of miners and artisans who treated it with reverence. If you seek a gem that is rare in both size and color, a Semi Black Opal that tells a story and carries presence, this piece is a singular choice. Contact us to learn more or to discuss settings and shipping, and let us help you bring this remarkable gem into the next chapter of its life.