Boulder Opal: A Unique Investment Opportunity

Boulder opal has amazed those who look upon it.  Each stone has its own unique combination of opal and motherstone that produces a pattern and a beauty that is unmatched.  Right now, its popularity is on the verge of exploding, thanks in great part to the TV show, Outback Opal Hunters.  All who set eyes on these stones instantly recognize the dazzling beauty and intricate patterns of these unique stones.  As an investment, the rarity and longevity of these stones ensures the limited supply will dictate a natural escalation in prices.

How does boulder opal compare to lightning ridge black opal as an investment

Lightning ridge black opal has until now held the biggest name for quality opal in the industry.  Comparatively, boulder opal, particularly those with artistic tribal patterns, have not by any means reached its peak in fame, YET!  But, because of Opal Whisperers’ passion for bringing it to the internation scene, as endorsed by the Discovery Channel, popularity has been exploding like never before.  For example, a good lightning ridge black opal ranges from approximately $1000-$25000 per carat and is still rising at 5-20% per year.  Artistic boulder opal is still at a minute percentage of these values ($20-$500 per carat),(pricing boulder opal by carat is only a rough guideline because of the varying amounts of motherstone included in the overall weight)

Australian Yowah nuts have a unique tribal character like no other opal on earth and is more elusive, found over a much smaller area.   With these facts in mind, the scope of investment potential is far greater for Australian boulder opal.  In fact, prices over the last season of the Outback Opal Hunters, the hit television show from discovery channel, have seen an increase in prices of 30-50%.  Due to Opal Whisperers upcoming industry changing release, prices this season are destined to rise far far more.…

How does boulder opal compare to other gemstones as an investment

According to the world authority of precious gemstones.  Most Colored gemstones cannot be at all considered an investment.  The biggest reason is the quality of synthetic gems being created has become indistinguishable from real gemstones.  Unlike other gemstones opals cannot be controlled, replicated, or regulated, effectively.  Supply and demand dictates that opal can ONLY go up in value.  Due to government regulations, restrictions, and native land title issues, the future of boulder opal mining isn’t bright.  Meaning a huge investment potential for the collector of

The Birth of Boulder Opal

Boulder opal, a gemstone distinct for its brilliant array of colors, originates primarily in the remote outback of Queensland, Australia. This gem is unique among opals due to its formation within ironstone boulders. Millions of years ago, these stones began to take shape through a natural process where silica-rich water seeped into cracks and cavities of ironstone boulders and fossilized plant and animal remains.  The result is a stunning mix of motherstone and color with natural artistic patterns that give each stone its unique identity.  The combinations are endless and each person can see different things within the wondrous patterns.

Over time, the water evaporated, leaving behind deposits of opal. What sets boulder opal apart is the way it retains a natural backing of ironstone matrix, which not only provides durability but also enhances the gemstone's vivid colors and patterns.

This natural backing often results in a more rugged landscape type appearance compared to other types of opals, contributing to its unique charm. It’s much more than just a gem, it nature’s artwork.  The discovery of boulder opal in the 19th century marked the beginning of its journey from the Australian outback to becoming a cherished gemstone worldwide, celebrated for its unparalleled beauty and resilience.

Historical Significance

The history of boulder opal is deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of Australia. Indigenous Australians were the first to discover and appreciate these gemstones.  No doubt, they have inspired countless native artworks.

Boulder opals featured prominently in their myths and legends, often considered to have the power to bring good fortune and protection. When European settlers arrived in the late 1800s, they quickly recognized the value of these colorful stones. The subsequent mining boom transformed Queensland into a global center for opal production, attracting prospectors and gem enthusiasts from around the world.

Boulder Opal's reputation spread far and wide, becoming a prized possession among gem collectors and jewelry designers. The international demand for boulder opal has persisted to this day, cementing its status as not only a valuable gemstone but also a symbol of Australia’s rich geological and cultural heritage.

Boulder Opal in Art and Jewelry

Boulder opal's vibrant colors and unique patterns have made it a favorite material in the world of art and jewelry for centuries. Jewelers are particularly drawn to boulder opal because each stone is one of a kind, boasting a full spectrum of colors and a range of patterns.  Thus ensuring each piece is a unique masterpiece.

The natural ironstone backing of boulder opal enhances the gem’s durability and provides a striking contrast that highlights the opal's dazzling play of color. In jewelry, boulder opal is often set in a way that allows light to enhance its natural beauty, making it a popular choice for statement pieces such as rings, pendants, and earrings.

Its organic forms and striking color combinations allow for a wide range of creative expressions, from minimalist designs that emphasize the stone's natural beauty to more elaborate settings that showcase its dramatic color shifts. Beyond jewelry, boulder opal has also found a place in the world of fine art.

Artists use it to create unique sculptures and inlays that capture the imagination and evoke the beauty of the natural world. Its vivid colors and unique patterns make it an ideal medium for artists seeking to create pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful.

The Science Behind the Beauty

Boulder opal's captivating beauty is not just a matter of aesthetic appeal; it is the result of fascinating geological and scientific processes that give rise to its unique characteristics. At the heart of boulder opal's allure is its mesmerizing play of color, a phenomenon that occurs due to the stone's internal structure.

This iridescence is caused by the refraction of light as it passes through the microscopic silica spheres within the opal. These spheres are arranged in a grid-like pattern, and the spaces between them cause light to bend and split into different wavelengths, producing the vibrant colors for which opal is famous.

The size and arrangement of these silica spheres determine the range and intensity of colors displayed by the opal. Larger spheres tend to produce red and orange hues, while smaller spheres create blue and green colors. The matrix of ironstone that is characteristic of boulder opal provides a natural backing that not only enhances the stone's durability but also contrasts beautifully with the opal's vivid colors, making it appear more vibrant and dynamic.

Modern Uses and Popularity

Today, boulder opal continues to be a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of natural beauty to their lives. Its unique characteristics make it a favored gemstone among collectors, jewelry enthusiasts, and art lovers. The ongoing appreciation for boulder opal is a testament to its timeless appeal and the enduring fascination it inspires.

Boulder opal is more than just a beautiful gemstone; it is a symbol of nature's artistry and a beacon of inspiration. Its rich history, cultural significance, and stunning visual properties make it a truly remarkable stone. Whether you are an artist, a collector, or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, boulder opal offers a unique way to connect with the wonders of the earth.

At Opal Whisperers, we specialize in mining, cutting, and polishing exquisite boulder opals, which we have been incorporating into stunning pieces of jewelry since 1961

Amazing Formations of Boulder Opal

Australian Boulder opal stands out as unique amongst all other forms of Australian opal, because of its incredibly diverse formations.   Whereas all Australian opal is sedimentary, most areas will only produce seam opal and sometimes fossil replacement opal. For Boulder opal, on the other hand, the formation list is endless.

These boulder opal formations include but are not limited to

boulder seam opal, boulder matrix opal, boulder fairy opal, boulder conglomerate opal, Koroit and Yowah nut boulder opal, boulder pipe opal, boulder fossil replacement opal, bolder bubble and biscuit band opal, as well as unique combinations of the above.  Combined with quartz and gypsum or selenite, just to name a few.  My favorite is the Yowah nut tribal matrix combination.  The formations of boulder opal never cease to amaze.