One of The World's Rarest Gemstones

#blackopal #opals #lightningridgeopals
Discover the fascinating story behind black opals, one of the world’s most captivating and rarest gemstones, found almost exclusively in Lightning Ridge, Australia. In this video, we explore the unique geology that forms these spectacular gemstones, known for their vibrant and fiery play of color against a dark, mysterious background. Learn about the geological processes that took millions of years to create these stunning precious opals, and why they are considered even rarer than diamonds.

We’ll dive into the history of black opal mining in Lightning Ridge, starting with their first discovery in the late 19th century and how these extraordinary gems became some of the most valuable in the world. Find out how opal mining differs from other types of mining, like gold mining, and the extreme challenges miners face when searching for these hidden treasures deep within the earth. Unlike gold, which forms in specific deposits, black opals can be scattered randomly throughout layers of sediment, making the search for them a complex and unpredictable process.

If you’re curious about the science behind the formation of black opals, the rare conditions required for their creation, and why Lightning Ridge remains the premier source of these gems, this video will guide you through it all. Along the way, we’ll explore the geological setting of the Great Artesian Basin during the Cretaceous period, how volcanic ash and silica-rich waters helped shape the opals we see today, and why the region is renowned worldwide.

Whether you’re a gem enthusiast, a geology lover, or just intrigued by rare gemstones, this video offers a comprehensive look at why black opals are so special and how they continue to capture the hearts of jewelers, collectors, and opal lovers around the globe. Stay tuned to discover the incredible story of Australia’s black opals and the extraordinary natural forces behind their creation.

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OzGeology is an Australian-based YouTube channel that specializes in creating high-quality documentaries on Earth sciences and natural disasters. The content is designed to be easy to digest and covers a wide range of topics, not only focusing on geology but occasionally exploring other scientific areas as well.

[unoriginalsyn]

Black opal is my favourite ❤ used to rent out the granny flat on my old property to a couple of dudes who were opal miners (we weren't all that far from Lightning Ridge) and they gifted my daughter and I some beautiful little pieces that I will get made into jewellery one of these days ❤

[susanl]

Thanks, this is good! You mentioned the ancient volcanism. Lightning Ridge appears to be on or near the longitude of the Cosgrove hotspot which caused a north-south string of volcanoes in Australia. Hubby and I have visited Lightning Ridge several times and the other opal regions you named, plus another, White Cliffs NSW, which offers underground hotel accommodation (as does Coober Pedy in South Australia). At Lightning Ridge there's a free outdoor swimming pool, very warm "bore baths" with a lovely bath house, but beware!! The water temperature fluctuates and can be dangerously hot, which raises the question of whether the volcanism really is all that ancient (?)...or recent/active?

[piratescrew]

100k and I’m still watching! As a gold hunter, opal is a very tempting option for prospecting. Up to $50, 000 per gram you can imagine how it would feel to uncover a pocket of this amazing gem! Thanks for sharing 👍👍

[philhatherell]

Easily my favourite gem stone. Thanks Oz was a great video.

[seanhewitt]

You are the first man to explain to me what opals are made of, and how it builds up. It's wild that it's volcanic rock rich ground that makes the opals black.

[Rory-wx]

Well done on the 100 subs mate, kick arse.

[reaganadams]

One of the best videos I've seen on Lightning Ridge and the formation of opals deposits. Thankyou.

[kryts]

Gold deposits can be geochemically detected (gold being a metal element) during exploration, including pathfinder elements associated with gold deposits, whereas hydrated amorphous quartz (which is opal) basically cannot. That is mainly why gemstone mining, including corundums, diamonds, beryl etc. is somewhat hit-and-miss to find. There is only mainly stratigraphic anomalies of the gemstone host rock to follow. For example, kimberlite and lamprophyre pipes for diamonds.

[drfill]

Your info is good. I happen to be a soil scientist with a passion for opal, so I've dug through the literature more than most. Theres a csiro paper you need to find on opal. Most of your info is good but one line, "seam opal isn't bio dreived" or some such isn't strictly true. Best research to date indicates a nobby is actually a cavity in mud that gets occupied by slime mould and nematodes. Seam opal is theorised to be the result of accumulation and merging of large numbers of nobbies. Therefore it could be argued that seam opal is bio in origin.
Now pure speculation by me.
I suspect that the silica for opal is provided by the dissolution of the surrounding sand. I have my reasons but technical... if interested I'll write up something for you. But atm just my theory, and only circumstantially supported

[reaganadams]

I grew up in Lightning Ridge. Unique place.

[allinski]

Good old Lightning Ridge. My dad took us there back in the day. He still has black opal to this day. We stayed in caves in Coober Pedy too. Crazy how its 45 degrees outside yet so cool in the cave accommodation.

[andypandyAU.]

I like my gold prospecting, but I do luke gemstones as well. My wife loves opal, we try to get away outback just to do a bit of fossicking for opal. I share this on my prospecting YouTube channel. Last trip we went to Andamooka and I found a little bit of matrix opal. It has been great to learn of other Aussie YouTubers about how to work it, treat it, cook it and shape it. Thanks for your channel 👍 ❤it 😊
Regards Andy Poverty prospecting Australia 🇦🇺

[andrewskimmo]

Hi I love your channel first and love Australian opal as well.
Watched your video on two major impact zones within the "arteisain basin"a few months back and is there any correlation to opal being created during this double impact as it fits zone and timeline thanks.keep up the awesome work.

[geoffreyhanson-mg]

No mention of the opal field at Yowah in south west Queensland. which has produced top quality black opal, constantly since the 1880s

[dredrotten]

Great video as usual Mate, keep up the good work it's appreciated.

[Celeste-in-Oz]

I just looked up a website from a lightening ridge opal store. The price 🤯

[ResortDog]

Nice presentation to introduce people to how opals are formed, mined and produced.

[lisainskip]

Sooo, they could still be forming today?

[SJR_Media_Group]

Thanks for sharing... first time seeing Black Opal... truly beautiful and hard to describe... I am beginning to think that you can dig just about anywhere in Australia and hit a valuable mineral; gold, silver, iron, opal, nickle, lead, etc... going to need a big shovel because Australia is a big country... cheers mate...

[geoffreyhanson-mg]

No mention of the Yowah Opal Field in south west Queensland which has produced top quality black opal from 1884 to current times.