Once maligned, the Australian gemstones have become much ... It was here in 1989 that a 550-carat boulder opal, one of the world’s largest, was found. “Three years ago, people were saying ...

light opal comes from South Australia and New South Wales; Queensland produces boulder opal, formed within brown ironstone. Opal is also found in places such as the USA, Ethiopia, Honduras, Mexico and ...

Kimberly McDonald One of a Kind Boulder Opal Ring with Pink Sapphire Bezel Set in 18K White Gold with Black Rhodium, $5,625; kimberlymcdonald.com ...

Each region produces a different type of stone: white or milky opal is found in South Australia, boulder opal in Queensland and black opal — the most valuable — in New South Wales (the state ...

Geoscience Australia said opals were first discovered ... "Central Queensland gems are second to none," Mr Bone said. "Our boulder opals in particular can only be found in western Queensland ...

An 18-karat rose gold pendant with boulder opal centre stones and diamond accents by Regent Opal These companies source opal material directly from Australia's mining fields, and cut and polish ...

Victoire de Castellane, the Paris-based creative director for Dior fine jewelry, remembers the moment that opals, which are formed from silica in fissures of rocks, first captivated her.

The world’s finest uncut opal, a 998-gram gem called the Fire of Australia, has gone on permanent public display for the first time since its discovery more than 60 years ago. Valued at more ...

Mr Phillips said opal mining was an enduring part of Australian history and culture and one of the few industries that offered a refuge and sustainable employment for some people who otherwise str ...

Coober Pedy is a small town in the Outback of Southern Australia. Originally an opal mining town, many of Coober Pedy's residents live underground to escape the region's immense heat. Homes ...