Lightning Ridge in NSW is the only place in the world where you can find Black Opals, it is likely that they are now all mined now.
There are differnet types of opal: Boulder OpalFound in South Western and Central Queensland, this beautiful variety of Opal is similar in appearance to Black Opal and forms naturally within ironstone "Boulder" which is cut to form part of the gem stone. Light OpalFound mainly in South Australia at Cobber Pedy, Mintabie and Andamooka. With brilliant reds, blues and greens intermingled in a white or light background. Doublet and TripletA thin slice of colourful Light Opal is laminated onto a layer of dark material (usually Opal potch) to form a Doublet. The addition of a clear dome of crystal (where the Light Opal is sandwiched between the clear dome and the layer of dark material) makes it a Triplet. The capping give the Opal layer protection. Both varieties are water sensitive and hence stones should not be immersed.
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Payne & Son Jewellers
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The first opals were found in Lightning Ridge in 1887. The area is so called because of its vast iron ore deposits which act as a magnet to thunderbolts during stormy weather. The stones display a deep and intense array of vibrant colours.
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