6.96 Ct. White Opal from Australia

This listing presents a beautiful opaque, multi color, 6.96 carat White Opal, cut in an oval tablet form and measuring 17.92 x 12.97 x 4.00 mm. The gem exhibits a tablet cut designed to maximize the surface area of play-of-color across a relatively shallow profile, and it has been finished to an excellent polish that enhances face-up brilliance. Clarity is graded as very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, indicating that inclusions are minimal and do not significantly interrupt the overall visual impact when viewed unaided. Color intensity is described as medium intense, and the stone displays a pleasing mix of spectral hues across its surface. This opal is an assembled triplet enhancement, a common and well-established method of stabilizing and showcasing thin or fragile opal slices by sandwiching the opal between a dark backing and a transparent cap, and its geological origin is Australia. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the provided description and imaging, and we are available to answer any technical questions you may have before purchase.

For an educated buyer, it is useful to understand the trade-offs and benefits inherent in this particular presentation. White Opal derives its play-of-color from the diffraction of light by an ordered array of silica spheres within the opal matrix, and the tablet cut here keeps a broad, flat expanse for that diffraction effect to be observed across the face of the gem. A medium intense color intensity suggests vibrant flashes without the saturation extremes that are limited to rare specimens, and the multi color distribution offers more versatility in design and wearable impact. The very slightly included clarity grade, assessed at eye level, means you are getting an eye-clean appearance in most viewing situations while retaining natural character; such inclusions are commonly part of opal formation and often do not detract from the visual play. As a triplet, the stone offers enhanced durability and vivid appearance because the cap protects the opal slice and the backing can increase perceived contrast, but buyers should be aware that triplets are considered an enhanced product and are priced differently than single-piece solid opals. Triplets are valued for allowing thin, colorful opal layers to be used in jewelry without compromising visual performance, and when expertly assembled and polished as this specimen is, they provide exceptional face-up color for their cost.

From a practical and curatorial perspective, this 6.96 carat tablet-cut oval is an excellent candidate for bezel-set rings, pendants, and brooches where the shallow profile sits comfortably against the mounting. The dimensions 17.92 x 12.97 x 4.00 mm give a substantial visible surface while the tablet configuration minimizes stone height, simplifying protective settings. Care guidance for triplet opals is straightforward but important: avoid ultrasonic cleaning, harsh chemicals, and extended soaking, as the adhesives used in assembled stones can be sensitive to solvents and prolonged moisture; clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soapy water when needed, and store away from extreme heat or prolonged direct sunlight. For buyers focused on provenance and supply chain integrity, Australian origin remains the benchmark for opal quality and consistency, and The Natural Gemstone Company sources and documents our opals with attention to ethical and quality considerations. If you would like additional magnified imagery, a short video showing the play-of-color in different lighting, or a comparative valuation against solid and doublet opals, we can provide those materials to help you make an informed acquisition decision.