What Is The Rarest Opal?
There are few gemstones that feel as alive as an opal. Its surface shifts from fire to cloud, from ocean to sky — a moving display that no other gem can truly imitate. But among this kaleidoscope of colors, one type stands apart for its rarity, mystery, and depth: the black opal.
At Plateau Jewelers in Sammamish, WA, we’ve worked with opals of every origin and hue. Yet when a fine black opal crosses the bench, there’s an undeniable stillness — the sense that you’re in the presence of something exceptional.
The Black Opal: Where Darkness Makes Light
Among all opal varieties, the black opal remains the most rare and most revered. Its dark body tone creates a backdrop where flashes of green, red, and violet come alive — as if light itself were painted on velvet.
Mined almost exclusively in Lightning Ridge, Australia, black opals are geological rarities formed under conditions that are difficult to replicate anywhere else. The darkness of the base doesn’t dull the color — it magnifies it. The result is a gemstone with extraordinary depth and presence, one that looks different from every angle and under every light.
Design Insight: When light moves through a black opal, you can almost see the layers of color build and dissolve. It’s like holding a living painting.
How It Compares to Other Rare Opals
While the black opal sits at the top of the rarity scale, there are other remarkable opal varieties that are also highly valued for their unique beauty.
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Boulder Opal – Found primarily in Queensland, Australia, boulder opals form within ironstone. They display bold streaks of color against an earthy matrix, giving each gem a natural, artistic feel. Though not as rare as black opal, high-quality stones with strong color contrast are collectible and beautiful in contemporary settings.
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Crystal Opal – These transparent or semi-transparent gems are prized for their luminous, ethereal glow. Often sourced from Ethiopia or South Australia, they appear to hold light within, shifting hues softly as the stone moves. While more available, the best crystal opals — with clean bodies and vivid play-of-color — are still considered exceptional finds.
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White Opal – Classic and romantic, white opals offer a pale, pastel display of color. Their charm lies in their softness, but their lighter tone makes them more common and less rare compared to black or boulder opals.
In Essence:
All opals are rare — but the black opal’s combination of dark body tone, intensity of color, and geological exclusivity make it the most coveted of all.
What Makes an Opal Truly Rare
The true measure of an opal’s rarity lies in its color pattern, intensity, and clarity.
A gem with evenly distributed play-of-color, strong brightness, and no visible inclusions or cracks ranks among the finest.
Here’s what elevates an opal to exceptional status:
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Body Tone: Darker backgrounds amplify color contrast.
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Brightness: Vivid, consistent flashes across the surface.
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Color Range: Multiple hues visible from every angle.
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Pattern: Unique formations — such as harlequin, pinfire, or rolling flash.
Design Insight: In jewelry design, we often treat rare opals as centerpieces rather than accents. Their personality commands attention. That’s why they’re so often chosen for heirloom jewelry, meant to be passed down as living light.
Styling and Design: Setting the Stage for Brilliance
A gemstone as expressive as the black opal deserves a setting that enhances, not competes with, its light. The design should echo the opal’s movement and tone.
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Platinum or White Gold highlight the gem’s contrast, creating a sleek, contemporary look.
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Yellow or Rose Gold deepen the warmth of the stone’s inner fire.
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Minimalist Bezels or Halos let the opal remain the focal point while offering protection for daily wear.
Each opal’s color palette guides the design process. A stone with electric blues and greens pairs beautifully with cool metals, while one with red or orange tones radiates against gold.
At Plateau Jewelers, custom designs begin with studying the gem under daylight to determine how it performs — where the color moves, how the light enters, and which setting best complements its rhythm.
From the Plateau Jewelers bench: Designing with opal is a collaboration with nature. The stone always tells us how it wants to be framed.
When to Wear and How to Style Opals
Opals are best enjoyed in jewelry that allows them to catch natural light — rings, pendants, or earrings where movement enhances the play-of-color.
For everyday wear, boulder or crystal opals are ideal thanks to their slightly greater durability and versatility. Black opals, while strong enough for occasional wear, are often reserved for statement pieces — cocktail rings, pendants, or heirlooms intended to stand out.
Pairing opals with diamonds or sapphires adds structure and sparkle, balancing the opal’s fluid light with the precision of faceted gems.
Craftsmanship and Care
Every opal requires careful handling and thoughtful craftsmanship. Because these gems are formed with a small percentage of water, they’re best kept away from extreme heat or dryness.
At Plateau Jewelers, our team hand-finishes each opal setting to ensure secure placement and gentle protection around the edges. We also offer professional cleaning and maintenance, ensuring your opal continues to glow as vividly as the day it was set.
Plateau Jeweler´s Tip: Store your opal jewelry separately in a soft pouch or box, and let it rest away from direct sunlight when not worn.
The Meaning of Rarity
Owning a rare opal isn’t just about possessing a valuable gem — it’s about connection. Each opal reflects light differently, much like every person who wears one. The black opal, in particular, symbolizes individuality, strength, and a quiet sense of mystery.
At Plateau Jewelers, we see these gems not as commodities, but as companions to life’s most meaningful moments — milestones, celebrations, and personal stories captured in color.
Discover Rare Opals at Plateau Jewelers
Whether you’re drawn to the bold drama of a black opal or the luminous softness of crystal and boulder varieties, you’ll find artistry and authenticity in every piece we craft.
Visit Plateau Jewelers in Sammamish, WA, to explore rare gemstones and bespoke jewelry design. Let our team help you find — or create — an opal piece that feels entirely your own.
1111 228th Ave SE, Sammamish, WA
(425) 313-0657