As long ago as ancient Roman times, light opal was found in high qualities in northern Hungary. In contrast, black opal was only discovered in 1902, at Lightning Ridge in the Australian state of New South Wales. This was as short time after light opal was first mined in Australia’s Queensland and New South Wales; combined with the discovery of black opal, Australian production soon surpassed that of Hungary.

The highest qualities of black opal exhibit a vividly brilliant play-of-color across the entire stone, while dull stores with areas that do not show play-of-color are considered low quality. Also, as the viewing angle of a black opal is changed, different play-of-color appears. The cause of this play-of-color can be explained in scientific terms, but the fact that it is created by nature is miraculous. Although the mineral opal is distributed widely near the earth’s surface, it is only by chance that nature has bestowed upon is gem-quality opal, creating it against odds of billions to one. On top of this, black opal’s characteristic of displaying a completely different color pattern depending on the viewing angle results in a marvelous beauty that is not seen in any other gemstone.

Compared to light opal, black opal contains less water and is less susceptible to crazing, but its hardness of 5 to 6 1/2, which makes it easy to scratch, and its poor toughness male it important to take care while wearing this stone. Black opal is especially popular with the Japanese; it has been estimated that until recently, more than half of world production was imported by Japan.