Opal, known for its mesmerizing play of colors, holds a unique place among gemstones. Unlike any other, each opal has a distinctive appearance, making it a favorite for collectors and jewellery lovers. As the birthstone of October, opals are admired not only for their beauty but also for their rarity and value. While opals come in a variety of types and price ranges, some stand out for their exceptional size, clarity, and color brilliance earning them the title of the most expensive opal in the world. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the world’s most expensive opal stones and what makes them so valuable.
Origin Of Opal Stone
Opals have a deep-rooted history that spans millions of years. These stunning gemstones are primarily formed from a solution of silicon dioxide and water. When water runs down through the earth, it picks up silica from sandstone, carrying it into cracks and voids. As the water evaporates, the silica is left behind, forming opal. This slow process gives rise to the stone’s colorful and sometimes fiery appearance.
The majority of the world’s precious opals are mined in Australia, which produces over 90% of global supply. Notable mining regions include Lightning Ridge, known for its black opals; Coober Pedy, famous for white opals; and Andamooka, which yields crystal and matrix opals. Other countries such as Ethiopia, Mexico, and Brazil also produce high-quality opals, each with unique features and color patterns.
Top 7 Most Expensive and Luxurious Opal Gemstone
Some opals are far more than just beautiful; they’re record-breaking treasures valued in millions. Below are the top 7 most expensive opal gemstones ever known, prized for their size, rarity, and striking play-of-color.
Virgin Rainbow Opal
The Virgin Rainbow Opal is one of the most fascinating and spellbinding gems in the world of opals. This pipe-shaped precious opal measures about 2.5 inches in length and displays a striking play of color that runs vividly throughout the stone. Its unique glow, sometimes described as “illuminated from within,” makes it truly one of a kind.
Discovered in 2003 by Johnny Dunstan in the Three Mile Fields of Coober Pedy, Australia, this opal weighs approximately 72.65 carats. Its estimated value is over INR 82,550,000 (around USD 1 million), securing its place as the most expensive opal in the world. The Virgin Rainbow is now housed in the South Australian Museum, admired for its natural brilliance and rarity.
The Olympic Australia Opal
The Olympic Australis Opal is one of the largest and most valuable opals ever found, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Discovered in 1956 near Coober Pedy, South Australia coinciding with the Olympic Games in Melbourne it was found 30 feet underground. The opal measures 11 inches long, 4.5 inches high, 4.75 inches wide, and weighs an astonishing 17,000 carats. With a white base and vibrant play of color throughout, it was valued at approximately INR 206,375,000 (USD 2.5 million) in 1997, firmly placing it among the world’s most expensive opals.
The Fire of Australia
The Fire Opal is one of the finest examples of natural opal ever uncovered and holds immense national and historical significance. Discovered in the 1940s in Coober Pedy, South Australia, this remarkable gem weighs around 5,000 carats (approximately 998 grams) and is nearly 100% gem-quality opal. It features an extraordinary display of bright reds, oranges, greens, and blues colors that are rarely found together with such intensity in a single stone. Unlike many valuable opals that are cut or polished, the Fire of Australia has remained uncut to preserve its original natural shape and size. It was eventually purchased by the South Australian Museum in 2017 for approximately $675,000 AUD, to prevent it from being broken into smaller pieces. As one of the most valuable opals in the world, it stands as a true symbol of Australia’s opal mining heritage and continues to captivate gem enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The Flame Queen Opal
The Flame Queen Opal is one of the most cherished and iconic opals in the world, admired for its vivid play of color and distinct “eye-of-fire” appearance. Mined in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia, it is especially noted for its rare and captivating harlequin pattern, which adds to its visual appeal and rarity. This opal has become a symbol of prestige in the gemstone world. According to various reputable sources, the Flame Queen achieved a record-breaking sale in 1980 through Christie’s auction house, facilitated by gem expert David Callaghan. The sale amount, adjusted to present value, is estimated at around INR 280,670,000 (USD 3.4 million), making it one of the most expensive opal stones ever sold.
The Aurora Australis Opal
The Aurora Australis Opal is widely regarded as one of the finest and most valuable black opals in the world. Discovered in 1938 by Charlie Dunstan in Lightning Ridge, Australia, this stunning gemstone displays an extraordinary pattern with vibrant flashes of red, green, and blue colors that dominate its deep, dark background. What adds to its uniqueness is a natural starfish-like impression on the reverse side of the stone. Weighing 180 carats, it was initially purchased in a semi-rough state by the renowned firm Altmann & Cherny. They later shaped it into a polished oval measuring approximately 3 by 1.8 inches. Valued at around USD 1 million, the Aurora Australis remains one of the world’s most expensive opals, known for its depth of color and rarity.
Halley’s Comet Opal
The Halley’s Comet Opal stands out as one of the most extraordinary and visually striking opals ever found. Discovered in 1910 in White Cliffs, New South Wales, Australia the same year Halley’s Comet lit up the skies this opal was named in its honor. The gem features a unique pattern that resembles the flowing tail of a comet, adding to its rarity and charm. Weighing approximately 198 carats, it captures attention with its luminous play of colors and exceptional form. As of 2005, its value was estimated at around INR 99,060,000 (USD 1.2 million), securing its place among the most expensive opal stones in history.
The Black Prince Opal
The Black Prince Opal is a historic gemstone with a legacy that dates back to the early 20th century. Discovered in the renowned Lightning Ridge region of New South Wales, Australia, this opal is notable not just for its age but also for its deep, rich hues of blue, green, and occasional flashes of red. It is classified as a black opal, one of the rarest and most sought-after opal varieties due to its dark body tone that makes the vibrant colors stand out more dramatically. The stone was originally part of the British royal collection, which is how it earned the name “Black Prince.” Weighing 181 carats, this opal was eventually sold to a private collector and is now valued at around USD 70,000. While its price may be lower compared to some of the other gems on this list, its historical significance and striking appearance earn it a solid place among the world’s most valuable opals.
Popular Uses of Opal Gemstones
Opals have held cultural, spiritual, and ornamental significance for centuries, admired across the world for their unique color play and symbolic meanings. Whether it’s the most expensive opal in the world or a more affordable variety, these gemstones have been used in various ways throughout history.
Jewelley remains the most common and timeless use of opals. From rings and pendants to earrings and brooches, opals are widely worn for their beauty and individuality. In many cultures, opals were believed to attract good fortune and offer protection against negative energy, making them more than just decorative.
Opals have also served a decorative purpose beyond personal adornment. Their dazzling colors made them a popular choice for royal regalia, often seen in crowns, tiaras, and other ceremonial objects. This historical association with nobility has only increased their value and prestige.
In traditional beliefs, opals were often credited with healing properties. They were thought to support emotional balance, relieve stress, and even aid with issues like depression or eye strain. These ideas, while not scientifically proven, continue to be embraced in some wellness and holistic circles.
Spiritually, many see opals as symbols of intuition, inspiration, and inner clarity. Some believe that opals can help connect individuals with higher states of awareness and support personal transformation.
Lastly, opals are treasured as collectibles. Their rarity, especially in the case of high-quality black opals or those with rare patterns, makes them highly desirable for collectors. Exceptional stones often achieve remarkable prices at auctions, further cementing their status as some of the most valuable opals in the market.
Where to Buy Authentic Opal Gemstone?
Finding an authentic opal gemstone requires careful selection, especially when you’re investing in one of the most expensive opal stones or even looking for a meaningful October birthstone. The market includes a wide range of options, from high-end collectors’ gems to everyday jewellery, so it’s essential to choose reputable sources.
- Buying a real opal, especially high-value stones like the Aurora Australis or Virgin Rainbow, requires careful consideration and a trusted source. Not every seller provides authentic or certified gems, so choosing the right platform is essential.
- Start by looking for certified gemstone dealers who offer proper documentation, including origin, treatment details, and grading reports. This becomes even more important when investing in rare pieces like the Fire of Australia or Olympic Australis opals.
- If you’re shopping online, options like HTP Gemstones are reliable. We provide detailed product descriptions, certification, and customer support to guide you through the buying process. You can also use our free gemstones recommendation feature to find the right opal based on your needs and preferences.
- No matter where you buy, ensure the seller is reputable and provides complete transparency. This guarantees that you’re investing in a genuine, high-quality opal with confidence.
FAQ
1. What is the most expensive opal in the world?
The Olympic Australis Opal holds the title of the world’s most expensive opal, valued at around USD 2.5 million due to its size, purity, and rarity.
2. What are black opals, and why are they special?
Black opals, like the Black Prince Opal, have a dark body tone that enhances their vibrant color play, making them some of the most valuable opals on the market.
3. Is opal more expensive than gold?
In some cases, yes rare opals like the Virgin Rainbow or Olympic Australia can be more expensive per carat than gold, depending on their quality and rarity.
4. Is opal rarer than diamond?
Yes, precious opals are rarer than diamonds. While silica is common, the unique geological conditions needed to form high-quality opals like those found in Lightning Ridge are extremely rare, making opals harder to come by than diamonds.
5. What is opal good for?
According to Indian astrology, opal gemstones are believed to bring emotional clarity and mental balance. They’re also used as healing stones to cleanse negative energy and support positive, focused thinking.
Conclusion
Opals are truly unique gemstones, admired for their vibrant color patterns and natural beauty. From rare pieces like the Olympic Australis and Flame Queen to stunning black opals from Lightning Ridge, each stone holds its own charm and story. Their rarity, value, and visual appeal make them a favorite among collectors, jewelers, and gem enthusiasts around the world. Whether for personal use or investment, opals continue to stand out as one of nature’s most extraordinary creations.
