The most expensive opals in the world are considered to be some of the rarest and most valuable gemstones on the planet. While the majority of opals may be relatively affordable, there are a select few that can command extraordinary prices, making them highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the most expensive opals in the world, providing you with an insight into this priceless collection.
List of the Most Expensive Opals in the World
The world’s most expensive opals have a unique beauty that makes them incredibly sought after by collectors and jewelry lovers alike.
From the mesmerizing colors to the rarest types, these opals are some of the most valuable and treasured stones on the planet.
This incredible stone has a beautiful pattern of colors, with a bright red center surrounded by blues and greens.
Here, we will explore some of the most expensive opals in the world, and what makes them so special.
The Fire Queen Opal: $3,620,700
When it comes to the world’s most expensive opals, one of the first pieces that come to mind is the Fire Queen Opal. This incredible black opal was discovered in 1938 in the Lightning Ridge opal fields in New South Wales, Australia.
It was estimated to be worth $3,620,700 at auction in 2008, making it the most expensive opal ever found.
The Fire Queen Opal is one of the most beautiful opals ever discovered, and it is also the most valuable kind of opal in the world.
Its body color is a deep black with a mesmerizing blue-green iridescence, and its fire consists of flashes of orange and yellow. The gemstone has been described as a painting in stone for its incredible complexity and beauty.
Opals come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and some of the most valuable types of opals are those that feature an intense play of color. This includes vibrant blues, yellows, greens, pinks, oranges, and purples.
When it comes to the most expensive color opals, black opals remain at the top of the list.
No matter what type of opal you’re looking for, there’s no doubt that the world’s most expensive opals are some of the most beautiful gems ever discovered.
Whether it’s the Fire Queen Opal or another type of rare and exquisite opal, owning one of these priceless gems would be a truly special experience.
The Flame Queen Opal: $3,489,100
This gemstone was discovered in Lightning Ridge, Australia, and is renowned for its vivid colors. It has an intense red, orange and yellow fire that radiates from the stone and this is what makes it so valuable.
In fact, it sold for an astonishing $3,489,100 at a Gemological Institute of America auction in 2006.
From the Flame Queen Opal to the Olympic Australis, these are some of the world’s most expensive opals and it’s easy to see why they demand such high prices.
From their captivating beauty to their rarity, these opals truly represent some of the most valuable types of opals in the world.
Olympic Australis Opal: $3,236,700
When it comes to the most expensive opals in the world, the Olympic Australis Opal is the undisputed champion. Sold at auction for a staggering $3,236,700 in 2006, this magnificent stone is the most expensive black opal ever sold.
A true natural wonder, it was discovered in 1938 in the famous Lightning Ridge mines of Australia and has been dubbed the Olympic Flame due to its incredible fiery rainbow of colors.
Aside from the Olympic Australis Opal, there are many other types of opals that can be quite valuable.
The most expensive color opal is the red fire opal, which is one of the most beautiful types of opals found.
In addition, white opals are also highly sought after and are considered to be the most valuable type of opal.
Black opals, although not as common as other types, are highly prized for their deep and intense coloration.
From deep blue blacks to vibrant reds and purples, opals are some of the most valuable and beautiful gemstones in existence.
So if you’re looking for a unique and dazzling way to show off your wealth, why not consider adding one of these magnificent and rare opals to your collection?
Pride of Australia Opal: $1,978,200
When it comes to opals, there is no shortage of options to choose from. But what about the most expensive opals in the world?
The following is a list of the world’s most expensive opals, ranging from black opals to opalized wood and color opals.
Pride of Australia Opal: This famous opal holds the title of the most expensive opal ever sold, at an astonishing price tag of $1,978,200.
This opal was found in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia. It weighs 1,813 carats and is perfectly cut and polished.
Its most striking feature is its intense black background and a rainbow of colors that shifts in the light.
For those looking for a truly luxurious experience with one of nature’s most precious stones, these are some of the most expensive and beautiful opals that you can find around the world today.
With their breathtaking beauty and extraordinary value, these gems are sure to be treasured for years to come.
Halley’s Comet Opal: $1,711,300
One of the most famous and expensive opals ever found is Halley’s, Comet Opal. Discovered in a mine in Victoria, Australia in 1976, this breathtaking gemstone was sold for an astonishing $1,711,300 at auction in 2007.
Its unique pattern of stars and stripes in shades of blue, orange, yellow, green, and pink make it one of the most beautiful and valuable types of opal ever seen.
From the breathtakingly beautiful to the rare and valuable, these opals are truly priceless gems that are sure to dazzle anyone lucky enough to see them.
The Queen’s Opal: $1,200,000+
The most expensive opal in the Queen’s collection is the Lambstongue Opal, valued at over $1.2 million. This precious gem is considered to be one of the most beautiful and valuable opals ever found.
The Lambstongue Opal is a black opal that is recognized for its intense color play of blues and greens across its surface.
It was discovered in an opal mine in Australia and was purchased by Queen Elizabeth II in 2001.
This stunning opal is mounted on a gold pendant and surrounded by diamonds, making it a truly exquisite piece of jewelry.
The Queen’s collection also includes other rare and valuable types of opals such as the Yowah Nut Opal, the Black Crystal Opal, and the Chocolate Fire Opal.
While these specimens may not be quite as expensive as the Lambstongue Opal, they are still highly sought-after and valuable pieces of jewelry.
With so many varieties and colors to choose from, the world’s most expensive and beautiful opals can bring a special sparkle to any jewelry collection.
Virgin Rainbow Opal: $1,000,000+
Virgin Rainbow Opals are some of the world’s most beautiful and expensive opals. They are found in the South Australian desert and range from light to dark tones with intense flashes of bright colors.
Most of these opals feature hues of blues, greens, yellows, and reds which combine to create a captivating rainbow effect.
These opals typically sell for $1,000,000 or more depending on the size and color intensity of the stone.
Overall, some of the world’s most beautiful and expensive opals include Virgin Rainbow Opals, Harlequin Opals, and Black Opals.
Each of these opal types can be breathtakingly beautiful and extremely valuable depending on their size, color intensity, and quality.
As such, they provide the perfect opportunity for collectors to invest in a truly priceless piece of artwork.
Fire of Australia Opal: $652,000
One of the most sought-after types of opal is the Fire of Australia Opal. This opal, which was found in an old, abandoned mine in Australia, is one of the world’s most expensive opals at a whopping price tag of $652,000.
The Fire of Australia Opal is characterized by its stunning fiery red and orange hues, which give it its name. It is believed to be over 3 billion years old and contains around 20% water.
The rarity of this opal makes it extremely valuable, as it is one of the most beautiful and expensive kinds of opal ever found.
It is definitely one of the most valuable types of opal in the world, and its beauty is simply incomparable. Whether you choose to set this opal into a ring or necklace, it will surely add a touch of luxury to your collection.
Aurora Australis Opal: $724,000
The Aurora Australis Opal is one of the most expensive opals in the world. This opal was discovered in South Australia in 1977 and was sold at auction for an incredible $724,000.
It features breathtaking colors, including blues, greens, reds, and yellows, and is truly one of a kind.
From the most valuable types of opal to the most beautiful examples ever found, there is no shortage of stunning and expensive opals around the world.
The Black Prince Opal: $169,400
One of the world’s most expensive opals is the Black Prince Opal, which sold for a staggering $169,400. The opal is remarkable for its unique blend of blue and orange fire, along with its spectacular size.
The opal weighs an impressive 32.28 carats and is set in a solid gold pendant.
From rich blues and purples to breathtaking greens, opals offer an unparalleled range of captivating color play – perfect for any jewelry lover.
What Colour opal is the Most Expensive? Opals can vary in price depending on their “primary color,” with red commanding the greatest price. Orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet are next in price order. Remember, though, that a dazzling blue-green stone will be worth more than a dull red one.
Is Black Opal The Most Expensive Stone? Value. In contrast, black opals are the most expensive variety of opals because of their dark body tone and the brilliant color play that results from them. Black opal of the highest gem quality can sell for up to AUD $15,000 per carat. But being black doesn’t automatically make an opal precious.
Where is the Most Expensive Opal Found? The Aurora Australis, thought to be the most precious Black Opal in the world, was found in 1938 in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales. It was discovered by Opal miner Charlie Dunstan in an ancient seabed and features the unmistakable imprint of a starfish on its back.
What is the Most Beautiful Opal? This distinction belongs to the Olympic Australis opal, a gigantic stone weighing 3.45 kilograms (7.6 pounds) that was discovered in Coober Pedy in 1956.
How Can You Tell a Real Opal? Glass, plastic, or resin will not be used to create real opal. A true opal is a silica stone that is solid and uncut. The back of your opal shouldn’t have any foreign material fused or cemented to it unless it is described as a doublet or triplet.
Are Opals Worth More Than Diamonds? Opal is simple to obtain, but finding gem-quality opal is more difficult. On the other hand, even the lowest-quality diamonds can command a premium price. Why is value so crucial? because high-quality opals are more uncommon than diamonds and have a higher value than most diamonds.
Conclusion: Opals Most Expensive in the World
When it comes to finding the most valuable opals, experts suggest looking for gems with good clarity, intense color, even patterns, and smooth surfaces.
Regardless of what type of opal you’re looking for, any rare or unusual piece will have a higher value and will be a stunning addition to any collection.
So whether you’re an experienced collector or just starting out, you can find some of the world’s most beautiful and expensive opals to add to your collection.
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