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Comparing Ethiopian Black Opals with Lightning Ridge Black Opals
- James Kent
- Feb 13
- 3 min read
Black opals seem to possess some sort of magical charm throughout the world of opals. Of the two most sought after varieties, Ethiopian opal stone and Lightning Ridge black opals, are what people are after. Although both have the luster of color and the mesmerizing depths, they are each special by virtue of which they cause and possess. We’ll consider similarities and differences between these two wondrous gems.
Ethiopian Black Opals: A Modern Wonder
From a more recent discovery, Ethiopian black opals have quickly become a favorite of the gemstone market. These opals are highly prized, known for their beautiful color display with a deep, dark base tone that makes a perfect base for the bright flashes of color. Combining their stunning appearance with their affordability, they have become attractive either for collectors or designers.
1. The Affordable Luxury
Ethiopian black opals aren’t as expensive as Lightning Ridge opal stone, making it one of the major appeals. If you want to see the beauty of black opals, but it’s not in the budget and you don’t have access to it, they’re an opportunity. Ethiopian opals are very affordable, but this doesn’t mean they don’t have visual impact, they are just as intriguing as their pricier fellow travelers.
2. Color Play with Depth
While located on the rare play-of-color scale, Ethiopian black opals are intense yet fluid. Flickering red, blue, green, and even gold and you’ve got almost a cosmic effect. The stone is so saturated with colour that the colors seem to dance in the stone, changing as the light hits it from all angles. A beauty that can’t be avoided and drilled.
Lightning Ridge Black Opals: A Timeless Classic
Australia’s Lightning Ridge black opal stone are just what a gem dealer dreams. The rich history these opals have can’t be beat, and they are known for having the most depth of color imaginable. They are from one of the world’s best known opal producing regions.
1. Depth and Rarity
The deep, almost hypnotic body tone of Lightning Ridge black opals really lets the colors play. As you would expect, only these opals have depth of color, and it’s saturated color, too — the look is hard to beat. Lightning Ridge opals are more rare, and therefore seen as a real investment, and their supply is limited.
2. Multi-Color Brilliance
Lightning Ridge black opals are known for such incredible brilliance that a combination of body tone with colour creates a stunning effect. Common are red, green, and occasionally blue flashes, and you may also see flashes of gold, orange, and even purple. Lightning Ridge opals achieve this multi-color brilliance that is no where near other black opals and are a popular collect and designing for jewelers.
Conclusion
There are extraordinary beauty of Ethiopian and Lightning Ridge black opals. One of the earth’s least expensive pretty stones with a flair for color is Ethiopian black opal, and its affordability and dynamism of color play make it an ideal choice for beauty lovers without the cost.
However, closer in opal luxury are Lightning Ridge black opals, noted for their depth, rarity and multi color brilliance. While Ethiopian opals are priced for the luxury dollar, the Lightning Ridge pieces bring a timeless old school beauty that's hard to resist.
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