8.71 Ct. Cabochon Semi-Black Opal from Australia

This Semi-Black Opal from Australia presented by The Natural Gemstone Company is an opaque, multi-color cabochon weighing 8.71 carats, oval in shape with measurements of 19.69 x 13.21 x 5.24 millimeters. The stone has a cabochon cut and displays medium intense color, with an excellent polish and no enhancements. Its origin and natural state are confirmed, and the combination of an opaque body with semi-dark bodytone is characteristic of the Semi-Black Opal class, providing a balanced backdrop for the internal play-of-color that defines its appearance.

The unmistakable signature of this opal arises from its internal inclusions and the way they interact with light. Fine, cloudlike veils and delicate potch patches are dispersed through the body, producing areas of diffuse translucency that layer over compact patches of vivid play-of-color. These color patches include pinfire and small broadflash elements in red, green, and blue hues, arranged in an irregular, patchwork pattern rather than uniform sheets. The inclusions manifest as subtle silica layering and micro-structural variations that diffract light differently across the surface, creating a three-dimensional depth and a soft, internal shimmer. Occasional micro-mottling and faint lacing contribute to a textured appearance when viewed at oblique angles, while the lack of large fractures or significant host-rock matrix inclusions indicates good material stability for standard jewelry settings. Together, the potch veils, pinfire specks, and patchy color fields form a diagnostic pattern for this piece, a signature that reads as both natural and distinctive, with a restrained and elegant distribution of color rather than overtly saturated zones. This opal is suitable for settings that emphasize the stone face, and, as with untreated opals of natural origin, care should be taken to avoid prolonged exposure to heat and harsh chemicals to preserve its polish and play-of-color.