OMG Natural Black Opal from Ethopia

[theredspinel]

Ethopia *does* produce natural black opal according to the GIA?!

Wow.

https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/winter-2014-gemnews-new-deposit-black-opal-from-ethiopia

 

[suzanne2]

Excellent article. Thanks for posting it.

 

[Bron357]

Yes, it’s lovely. Shame about all the scammers taking ordinary Ethiopian opal and dyeing it or smoking it.
It is however crystal black opal so it’s the translucent type. Lightening ridge black opal is opaque, not see through at all, though we do also have black crystal opal here too in Australia.
Australian opal of any type, though especially the black, has a lower water content so is less likely to crack and craze as the Ethiopian type can if it gets too dry.

 

[jordyonbass]

It's a bit of a misconception that Lightning Ridge is the only Black Opal source - truth is that all deposits will produce black opal at some point - Lightning Ridge just happens to have a more steady supply than anywhere else. And the quality of colourplay is unrivalled, that might be a bit of a personal opinion but I know I am not the only Opal cutter who thinks that

I've seen some Ethiopian Black Opal and as @Bron357 mentioned it's more black-crystal as it will still be transluscent. It reminded me a bit of some of the black opal material I've seen come from Mintabie.

 

[theredspinel]

I was reading on another gemology forum (and looking at some pictures) some of the pros were saying the natural Ethopian black opal is very similar in appearance to the smoked ones (ie opaque and very very black).

However the whole higher water content thing and fear of crazing etc is what keeps them from being on par with lightening ridge black opal.

I did think lightening ridge was the only place in the world to produce black opal. Seems I've been listening to Justin wrong! He does say lightening ridge produces 95% of the world's black opal.

Imagine if the other 5% was as stable as Australian opal... how RARE would that 5% of opal be! Itd all go topsy turvy, instead of lightening ridge being the top, it'd be "common"

 

[Bron357]

Black crystal opal is still very beautiful but if “stability” and “genuine” is important, either buy Aussie or chose your Ethiopian opal vendor with care.

 

[theredspinel]

Oh I'm not ready to buy ethppian black opal yet. Welo opal I'd consider (keep forgetting to get around to it)!

I can't really be bothered with the "hassle" associated with black opal from anywhere other then lightening ridge for the time being. Was just really interested to learn about it.

And since, I've also been reading about Indonesian banten opal!!!

One day I'd love a little sample of opal from all over the world