Hey there, gem lovers! You know what I've been marveling at lately? The stunning Australian gemstones. All these colorful wonders come straight from the Land Down Under and they have been wooing jewelry aficionados across the world.
So, I decided to make a list of the most fascinating Australian gemstones that you must know about. Have a read and prepare to be mesmerized!
Crystal Opal
First up, we have the breathtaking crystal opal. With its translucent body and spectacularly colorful flashes, crystal opal is a real feast for the eyes. Many of the opals come from the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge in New South Wales.
One of the unique features of crystal opal is that it is composed of microscopic silica spheres that diffract white light into spectral colors. This gives the gem its magnificent play of light and color.
When buying crystal opal, ensure that it is genuine and not a doublet or triplet. Doublets are stones made of thin slices of opal glued to a dark backing, while triplets are a sandwich of thin opal slices glued to a black backing then capped with a clear quartz or glass.
Chrysoprase
Next up, we have the gorgeous chrysoprase. It is a type of chalcedony that is colored apple-green by nickel impurities. Chrysoprase was highly prized by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians and is believed to boost emotional healing and balance.
Chrysoprase is found in Queensland, Western Australia, and New South Wales. The Australian chrysoprase is highly valued for its luscious apple-green hue, its translucency, and its waxy luster.
Black Opal
Another opal that is increasingly gaining recognition among gem collectors is the black opal. This opal has a dark body tone with flashes of vibrant colors that range from red, green, blue, and purple.
Black opal is found exclusively in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia. It is the rarest and most valuable type of opal as the black backing enhances the intensity of the opal's colors.
Sapphire
Australian sapphires are highly coveted for their clarity and brilliance. Some of the finest sapphires in the world come from Australia, and they can occur in a range of colors including blue, green, yellow, and black. The most famous and sought-after is the padparadscha sapphire, a pinkish-orange gemstone that is extremely rare.
Most of the sapphires are from the Eastern Australian States, with the largest deposits in New South Wales and Queensland.
Argyle Pink Diamond
Last but not least, we have the immensely rare and precious Argyle pink diamond. Argyle is the only known source of these pink diamonds, and they account for only 0.1 percent of the mine's production.
These diamonds are carefully graded according to their color intensity, with the most sought-after being the vivid pinks. Argyle pink diamonds are incredibly rare and can command high prices at auction.
About Australian Gemstones
Australian gemstones have a long history that goes back to the ancient Aboriginal culture that traded gemstones across the Australian continent. The arrival of European settlers brought new mining techniques and access to global markets, leading to an increase in demand for these exquisite gemstones.
Today, Australia is a major source of precious and semi-precious stones, with its mining industry contributing significantly to the country's economy. Australia produces approximately 95% of the world's precious opals and 60% of the world's sapphires.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Australian gemstones expensive?
The price of Australian gemstones varies depending on the rarity, size, and quality of the stones. Generally, opals and pink diamonds are the most expensive, while sapphires and chrysoprase are relatively affordable.
2. How can I tell if an opal is genuine?
Genuine opals will have a play of color, which is the flash of spectral colors that appears when the stone is turned in the light. They will also have a natural-looking pattern on their surface caused by the formation process. Be wary of doublets and triplets that can be passed off as genuine opals.
3. Are Australian gemstones ethically sourced?
Australia has strict mining regulations in place to ensure that gemstones are ethically and sustainably sourced. Most Australian gemstones are mined by small-scale miners who comply with these regulations, and mining companies like Rio Tinto and BHP also practice responsible mining.
There you have it! A quick introduction to some of the most stunning Australian gemstones that have been capturing hearts and imaginations across the globe. Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!