Why Black Opal Is So Expensive | So Expensive

Lightning Ridge is a small mining town outside of New South Wales, Australia renowned for its black opal, which can sell for over $10,000 per carat. But even for an expert miner, finding high-quality black opal isn’t easy. After investing tens of thousands of dollars, a miner might not find a single gem. But as soon as a gem quality black opal is found, opal cutters know they have a buyer for it. That exclusivity, and black opal’s unique colors, make it one of the most expensive gemstones in the world.

MORE SO EXPENSIVE VIDEOS:
Why Donkey Cheese Is So Expensive | So Expensive
Why Ceylon Cinnamon Is So Expensive | So Expensive
What Makes Blood Plasma So Expensive? | So Expensive

------------------------------------------------------

#BlackOpal #SoExpensive #BusinessInsider

Business Insider tells you all you need to know about business, finance, tech, retail, and more.

Why Black Opal Is So Expensive | So Expensive

[threeohchris]

"Black Opal is incredibly hard to find, so why is it so expensive?"
I'm no Opal expert, but something tells me that your answer has a bit to do with the first part of that statement...

[lilac.love.letters]

A tip from a geologist: If you want to have black opal but doesn't have the budget, try looking for labradorite or bornite. It is much cheaper and is also colorful like a rainbow.

[biskienator]

I used to work in the wholesale jewelry industry. I still remember one day an opal dealer came into the store with loose stones. he had a lot of inventory but after awhile he said that he had one special stone that was one of the best he had ever seen. he took out the paper packet, unfolded and I swear the stone looked like viewing the earth from space. blew me away. at the time it was 10, 000 dollars a carat (1987 dollars wholesale). it was about 5 or 6 carats the size of a medium marble. still sticks with me today.

[quamarjamal]

Jewellers are always rich as compared to miners, thus you know who gets the real value of the gems.

[TaguroSuper]

The Miner should enchant his pickaxe for faster mining. Use a diamond pickaxe too.

[garetcrader]

I hope he makes his first million this year. Sounds like he's got his heart in it not just making the profits off of his workers he's actually doing it and leading the way when he mines and is trying so hard. Love to see it

[hindsightpov]

My grandmother thought of getting a gift for my mother, her daughter-in-law. She found this gorgeous opal ring. But she liked it so much that she decided to keep it for herself but then said my mother would get it in her will. My grandmother was such a character.😆

[stefanopatton]

Sounds like Black Opal is what the “diamond” really claims to be.

[mauricemain]

My Grandmother got a lightning ridge black "fire" opal from the late 19th century. It was among the biggest and certainly best ever seen. What a shame that the jeweller accidentally broke it when cleaning it, but replaced it with a top notch piece of shite he had on hand. My poor gullible mother didn't want to cause a fuss, so never said anything, until a few years later she put it on, and the family immediately asked, "what the heck happened to your opal?" She relayed the story and how the jeweller, assured her the replacement was even better than her original. I wanted to have a quiet chat with him but was sworn to leave it alone, as though they did not have faith in my diplomatic intentions. I do so have a soft spot for businessmen that exploit the elderly, soft as lead.

[damienholland]

Jewelers: "We sell it for $10, 000 per carat. But if you want to sell it to us we'll take it for $100 per carat."

[LiamMcEvoy]

I love opal because each specimen has a wide range of unique blemishes and imperfections. But these are considered to add to its value. Just like people, a metaphor for how our imperfections make us unique and valuable. :)

PS- If you have opals, try never to wear them in the pool! They are porous like pearls and will absorb chemicals from water they are exposed to.

[eternale]

The beautiful black opal has always fascinated me thank you for showing, such a gorgeous gem. My ancestors The Yuwaalayaay people of Lightning ridge have passed down Dreamtime stories about the Opal there. Literally a rainbow in a rock. I love it.

[Krystal_Kitty]

An opal ring is definitely more beautiful than any diamond ring I've ever seen.

[livetv]

I hope this guy gets a huge one and earns a million dollars. He deserves huge.

[blueunoreversecard]

The miners should switch Ys to see if lower levels have a higher spawn rate.

[noonesfault]

I'll need to rewatch Uncut gems now

[ilikelobsters.]

"Seemingly infinite colours"
I think my dvds will sell very well then

[roxyoursox]

My mother had a beautiful fossilized shell opal necklace. Sadly it was stolen a few years ago, but it's so unique that my mother says she would know that its her if she ever saw anyone else wearing it.
I still hate the people who stole it. Like, I wish they had stolen the same amount in money rather than this necklace that meant so much to my mom. Don't steal people, please.

[dvilmaycry]

A gemstone far more deserving for its cost than diamonds.

[tdb]

There's a whole underground town called Coober Pedy where people live in old opal mines, and its still their main industry. They have underground churches, hotels, and their homes are actually pretty beautiful. Whenever they need a new room, they just dig one out.