Australian Opal Cutters News

The rare black opal gemstone found in Lightning Ridge, north of Walgett, has officially been announced as a NSW emblem.

Member for Barwon, Kevin Humphries, instigated the move a year ago and said the black opal was the rarest and most valuable form of opal, found only in Mexico and Lightning Ridge - with the Lightining Ridge black opal deemed far superior.

Premier Morris Iemma, who annoucned the decision, said black opals were the most rare and valuable type of opal. "Black opals rank with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires as among the most valuable gemstones in the world," Mr Iemma said.

"Given the NSW town of Lighting Ridge is one of only two places in the world where the black opal is mined, and it is the world's major commercial producer of the gemstone, it is appropriate that we formally recognise its importance to the state." Mr Iemma said.

The Waratah is the State's floral emblem, the Kookaburra its bird emblem, the Blue Groper its fish emblem, and sky blue is the colour emblem but the gemstone emblem was until recently missing.

"With the Lightning Ridge community so passionate about their mining industry and their Black Opal, the decision seemed only natural," Mr Humphries said.

He said the move to formally recognise the black opal as the NSW gemstone would help promote and preserve Lightning Ridge.

During his speech in parliament, Mr Humphries described the vibrant, pioneering spirit within Lightning Ridge, where the lifestyle for many had not changed in the past 100 years.

"In effect, the area is a living monument of this pioneering spirit and I'm glad to say it will be rewarded, with the home of the Black Opal now being recognised as the home of the new State emblem," he said.

Some key Black Opal facts:

• It is the most rare and valuable type of opal.

• Black opal is a naturally occurring solid opal with a coloured face and black body colour.

• Black opal has a dark body tone which gives the colour greater intensity and vibrancy.

• The word 'black' doesn't actually refer to the colours displayed by the opal but rather the natural black potch underneath the colour.

• Black opal comes in every colour of the rainbow and no two stones are alike.