Opals are some of the most diverse gems out there. Every type of them is unique in its appearance and price. If you are interested in buy australian opal stone, then you have probably already met with such varieties as black opal, honey opal, and white opal. Even though these types of gemstones belong to the same family, they differ in their color, rarity, and price. So let us start with the basics.

What Is Black Opal?

This kind of gemstone is one of the most unique varieties that exists nowadays. Black opal is considered rare and valuable. They usually come from Lightning Ridge, Australia, and for this reason, it takes premium spots in the market of Australian opals.

Main features:

• Dark base color (from black to dark grey)
• Vibrant play-of-color
• High level of contrast

Its dark background helps the colors become more intensive. For this reason, the play-of-color effect is usually quite noticeable.

What Is Honey Opal?

Honey opal is another unique type of gemstone that has gained a lot of attention over the past years. Unlike black opal, it cannot always boast its play-of-color effect. Honey opals are valued for their beautiful color.

Important features:

• Golden-yellow to amber coloration
• Generally either translucent or opaque
• Softer and more even texture

The Australian honey opal stone is less common than the regular white opal but has much value because of its uniqueness.

What Is White Opal?

White opal represents the most common kind of opal. It consists of a light or milky base that produces colorful plays of light.

Main Features:

• Light to pale white body color
• Presence of play-of-color effects
• A softer contrast in comparison to the black opal

It is important to understand that white opal usually represents the entrance gate for the Australian opal stone market due to low prices.

Differences Between Opals: Quick Comparison Chart

1. Body Color:

Black opal has dark tones; that is why colors appear more vivid.

Honey opal usually has golden tones and does not show any noticeable flash of color.

The white opal has a lighter base that reflects the play of colors.

2. Play-of-Color:

The play of colors of black opal is considered the strongest.

For honey opal, there might be some play of colors but rather subtle.

The play of colors of white opal is moderate and rather soft.

3. Rarity

Black opal – extremely rare

Honey opal – moderately rare

White opal – most common

4. Market Demand

Black opal – high demand from collectors

Honey opal – niche demand

White opal – consistent mainstream demand

Which Opal Has More Value?

As far as value goes, there is no contest – black opals clearly take the cake. Their rarity combined with stunning colouration make them the most expensive option out of these three.

Generally speaking, this is how their value compares:

Black Opal

• Most expensive opal variety
• Premium collectible gemstone
• Prices skyrocket when red colours appear

Honey Opal

• Middle range price tags
• Its value depends on clarity and rich colouring
• More stable pricing compared to black opals

White Opal

• Affordable up to midrange prices
• Varied price range depending on the brightness of the colour
• More easily calculated original opal stone price

Whereas black opals reign supreme in terms of luxury, white opals are perfect to balance out luxury with affordability. Honey opals lie somewhere in between – they attract people who favour warm colour schemes over colour play.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice will depend greatly on your budget and needs.

If you choose Black Opal then:

• You are seeking a valuable investment option
• You appreciate striking colors
• You are purchasing opal for a collection or a luxurious jewelry piece

If you go for Honey Opal then:

• You have preference for earthy colors
• You desire elegant simplicity
• You look for something unique, yet refined

If you go for White Opal then:

• You seek a classical option
• It is your first experience of owning an opal
• You desire a compromise between affordability and beauty

Conclusion

Despite having different characteristics, all mentioned types of opal stone share the main principles of their value that include rarity, attractiveness and demand.

When you compare various opals in the Australian market, remember that you should always consider authenticity, color quality and the honesty of the vendor – you need to pay the appropriate original opal stone price.