Opal
Australia, Ethiopia · 139 specimens · 17.5ct avg
Opal is renowned for its unique play-of-color, displaying vibrant hues that shift with light and angle. It typically has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale and is often cut into cabochons to enhance its visual effects.
Price History
Quality Tiers
Listings
Specimen Data
Value Drivers
Carat weight can significantly influence opal pricing, with larger stones often commanding higher prices per carat. However, the median price per carat is relatively low at $10, indicating that size alone does not guarantee high value.
Color is a crucial factor in opal pricing, with vibrant, multi-colored stones generally fetching higher prices. Australian opals, particularly those with intense red and blue hues, are especially prized.
Clarity plays a moderate role in opal pricing, as some inclusions are acceptable and do not significantly detract from the stone's beauty. However, clearer stones with fewer inclusions typically achieve higher prices.
The cut of an opal affects its visual appeal and market value, with well-executed cabochons enhancing the play-of-color. Unique shapes or artistic cuts can also attract premium pricing.
Market Dynamics
The supply of opals is diverse, with Australia being the leading source, followed by Ethiopia and Peru. This distribution indicates a healthy variety of origins available to collectors.
Demand for opals is driven by their unique aesthetic appeal and cultural significance in jewelry design. Additionally, collectors view opals as a worthwhile investment due to their rarity and distinctive characteristics.
Recent market trends indicate a slight recovery in opal prices, despite concerns over potential new tariffs on colored gemstones. This uptick suggests a resilient interest in opals among collectors and investors.
News
Insights
The median price per carat for opals is $10, while the mean price is significantly higher at $136.
The price range for opals varies widely, with the P10-P90 spread showing values from $1 to $124 per carat.
Australia remains the dominant source of opals, accounting for 69% of listings.
Recent news highlights potential new tariffs on colored gemstones, which could impact future pricing and availability.
Opals are sensitive to sudden temperature changes and very low humidity, which can cause crazing; appropriate storage conditions are important.
Because each opal is unique, matching pairs and suites for jewelry requires considerable sorting effort and can command a premium.