What is Boulder Opal Gemstone?

Boulder Opal is a type of opal that forms within ironstone boulders. It is found mainly in Queensland, Australia, and is characterized by its deep, rich colors and unique patterns. The stone is popular among gem collectors and jewelry makers due to its striking appearance and rarity.

Boulder Opal

What are the properties of Boulder Opal Gemstone?

Boulder opal properties

Boulder Opals is a type of opal that typically has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a moderately durable gemstone. Its unique characteristic is the play of color, which is caused by diffraction and interference of light through the opal's internal structure. The opal boulder can display a variety of colors, including green, blue, red, orange, and yellow. It is believed to have metaphysical properties that promote creativity, imagination, and emotional healing.

Boulder opal metaphysical properties

Boulder Opal is believed to have metaphysical properties that can help to stimulate creativity, enhance emotional balance, and improve communication skills. It is also thought to have a calming effect on the mind and promote inner peace. Additionally, boulder opal healing properties help to enhance intuition and increase one's ability to connect with the spiritual realm.

Where is Boulder Opal Gemstone found?

Boulder opal stone is mainly found in Queensland, Australia, particularly in the areas around the towns of Quilpie, Yowah, and Winton. Australian boulder opal is formed within ironstone boulders that are millions of years old and is usually extracted from opal mines using heavy machinery and hand tools.

How to Care for Boulder Opal Gemstone?

To care for Boulder Opal, it's important to avoid exposing it to extreme heat, chemicals, and abrasives. It should be cleaned gently using a soft cloth and mild soap or detergent. Store the gemstone separately from other jewelry in a soft pouch or box to avoid scratches or damage.

What are the Colors available in Boulder Opal Gemstone?

Boulder Opal can display a wide range of colors, including blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and purple. The stone often has a multicolor play of color that can appear as flashes, speckles, or stripes. The color patterns and intensity can vary greatly depending on the size, shape, and composition of the opal. The unique coloration and patterns of Boulder Opal make it a popular gemstone among collectors and jewelry makers.

Where to buy Boulder Opal Gemstone?

You can buy boulder opal beads from various sources, such as:

Also, while you choose boulder opal for sale online, be sure to purchase from reputable sellers to check the quality and authenticity to ensure that it is genuine boulder opal rough stones.

At National Facets, we strive to produce the finest quality of beautiful gemstones. We offer a wide variety of premium-quality Natural Gemstones on the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is special about boulder opal?

A: Boulder Opal is a unique type of opal that forms within ironstone boulders, giving it a distinctive appearance and texture. It is valued for its vivid and varied play of color, which can include a wide range of hues and patterns. Boulder Opal is also prized for its rarity and durability.

Q: What stone is boulder opal?

A: Boulder Opal is a type of opal that forms within ironstone boulders. It is a sedimentary rock composed of silica and small amounts of water trapped in voids or cavities. The ironstone boulder provides a dark background against which the opal's play of color can be seen, making it a popular and unique gemstone

Q: Why are boulder opals so expensive?

A: Boulder Opals are relatively rare and difficult to mine due to the fact that they are found within ironstone boulders. Additionally, their unique play of color and patterns make them highly desirable among collectors and jewelry makers. These factors contribute to the stone's relatively high price compared to other gemstones.

Q: Which Rashi benefits from opal stone?

A: Raw boulder opal is associated with the Rashi (zodiac sign) of Libra (Tula). It is believed to bring benefits such as enhanced creativity, emotional balance, and improved relationships for those born under this sign. It is also thought to have a calming effect on the mind and promote inner peace.

Q: How can you tell if a boulder opal is real?

A: To determine if it is a natural boulder opal stone, look for its characteristic play of color, which should appear as flashes of color against a dark background. Boulder matrix opal can appear in a variety of colors and patterns, including brown, gray, black, and cream 

Q: Which type of opal stone is best?

A: The "best" type of opal stone depends on personal preference and what qualities you are looking for. Black Opal from Lightning Ridge, Boulder, australian opal stone is considered to be one of the most valuable and rare types of opal due to its dark body tone and vibrant play of color. However, other types of opal, such as White boulder opal loose stones, Boulder Opal, and Crystal Opal, also have their own unique beauty and qualities.

Q: Which metal is best for opal stone?

A: Opal is a relatively soft gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6.5, so it is important to choose a metal that will protect the stone from damage. Gold, platinum, and sterling silver are popular choices for opal jewelry, as they are durable and can be designed to showcase the stone's unique beauty.

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