Opal Pricing
Black and Crystal Black Opal
Green/Blue in Color
Lightning Ridge Australia
This chart is used when green or blue is the primary play of color against a dark background, like the Lightning Ridge Australia Black Opal. Blue, green, and black crystals are seen throughout the opal when held to the light. Large sheets, also known as patterns, of blue or green colored opals may be valued at higher prices called “broadfish.” Please note that these are retail prices.
Price per Carat:
Commercial
40-120
Good:
150-400
Fine
500-2800
Extra Fine
2800-9200
Black and Crystal Black Opal
Red/Orange in Color
Lightning Ridge Australia
This chart is used when red or orange is the primary play of color against a dark background, and the Lightning Ridge Australia is the sole source. A red, multicolored opal may be priced higher in each category while a single color may be priced lower (like green). A Black crystal is solid bright colors against a dark background, but when held to light can "illuminate". When special patterns, images or "rolling flash" is visible, higher prices may be necessary. Note - These are retail prices.
Price per Carat:
Commercial
100-200
Good
200-800
Fine
800-2000
Extra Fine
2000+
Australian Crystal Opal
The Australian Crystal Opal is clear. When the crystal opal is held towards the light, it can have a very subtle color that can also become vividly bright. There are some patterns found in the Andamooka solid crystal opal. Retailers may demand up to 40-60% premium, because of the extreme durability. The Australian Crystal Opal is not meant to craze. Please note that these are retail prices.
Price per Carat:
Commercial
2-40
Good
40-120
Fine
120-1000
Extra Fine
1000-6000
Australian White Opal (Coober Pedy)
The white opal comes from South Australia and can vary from white with no color, to pinfire colors of all brightness. Some of the white opals may have a grayish undertone or even a bright flash of color. Typically white opals are opaque to translucent. Please note that these are retail prices.
Price per Carat:
Commercial
1-30
Good
30-90
Fine
90-500
Extra Fine
500-2000
Boulder Opals
This chart is used when Queensland or Andamooka Boulder Opals have a dark background with a play of color in pinfire and small flashes of flakes. The higher percentage of the surface with colors versus the "brown" matrix is what the price and brightness of the gemstone are based off. Blue greens are much more common, while a red gemstone definitely raises the price. Please note these are retail prices. Prices are typically quoted per piece, not carats.
Price per Carat:
Commercial
1-20
Good
20-100
Fine
100-400
Extra Fine
400-2000
Yowah Nuts
The chart below is used when Yowah Nuts of Australia are the boulder opal. The light brown to dark brown ironstone "nut" shaped rocks are dull on the outside but may have spectacular pockets of color inside. When a piece is full of color and split for earrings, as seen in the image, prices may be higher in each category. When artistic patterns or designs appear, prices may be quoted higher. Often there are just "specks" of color in a neat pattern.
Price per Carat:
Commercial
1-10
Good
10-90
Fine
90-300
Extra Fine
300-2000
Mexican Fire Opal
The Mexican Fire Opal has a reddish-orange body color that is usually faceted like diamonds. They can be bright yellow, bright red, and several shades of all of these "fire" colors. If the Mexican Fire Opal is bright red, it is very rare. Mexican Opals with real flashes of greens, oranges, reds, and blues are the most sought after and rarest of all Mexican opals. These prices don’t reflect gemstones with colors beyond the base. Please note these are retail prices.
Price per Carat:
Commercial
2-60
Good
60-180
Fine
160-350
Extra Fine
320-800