01 Aug All You Need to Know About Boulder Opals
How We Fell in Love with Boulder Opals
Our fascination with boulder opals began with our close friends Barbara Lamont and Edi Heide of The Opal Cutter. Barbara has been mining opals since 1982, and Edi joined her in 2008 when they started working at the Tongues of Fire Koroit mine in Queensland, Australia. Thanks to this long-standing friendship, we know exactly where our opals come from and are confident they are responsibly mined and cut. We’re thrilled to share our new collection of boulder opal jewellery, handmade in the UK.
What Are Boulder Opals?
Boulder opals are a unique and rare type of opal found only in Queensland, Australia. First discovered in 1870 in Quilpie, Queensland, these opals are prized for their rich colours and durability, with good examples being among the most valuable opals. Unlike other opals, boulder opals are found in narrow seams embedded within ironstone rock, which gives them a natural backing, adding durability. Due to their low water content, they are also less prone to cracking with age.
After learning about AnchorCert Pro through the Assay Office, we decided to join the AnchorCert Pro community and help promote ourselves as a safe jewellery brand.
The Unique Colours of Boulder Opals
Boulder opals showcase an impressive play of colour, thanks to their structure of tiny silica spheres. Light diffracts through these spheres, creating vibrant colours from red to violet. The arrangement of these spheres in a precise pattern gives the opal its fiery flashes and depth, comparable to the brilliance of the more well-known black opals.
What Are the Most Valuable Colours?
Boulder opals come in a wide range of colours, with red being the most valuable, followed by orange, gold, green, and blue. However, each boulder opal is unique, with individual characteristics that set it apart from other opal types.
How Are Boulder Opals Mined?
Boulder opals are found between 3 and 30 metres below the surface, in layers known as “levels.” Miners create shafts to access these layers, using tunnelling machines and bulldozers. Extracted materials are sorted, and a “noodling machine” filters through waste to find hidden gems. Despite the extensive process, 90% of what is mined has little or no value and is known as “potch,” a dull opal with no colour.
Designing with Boulder Opals
The beauty of boulder opals lies in their unique colours and patterns, which inspire us to design each piece individually. Pendants and rings often showcase the stone’s natural beauty, with simple rub-over settings or added diamonds for contrast. Some stones evoke images of the Great Barrier Reef, a dramatic evening sky, or city lights, allowing us to tell a story through the design. We often pair opals with other gemstones to enhance their colours and create matching earring sets for a distinctive look.
Caring for Boulder Opals
Treat your boulder opals with care. Avoid wearing rings during housework, gardening, or sports, as opals are relatively soft. Clean them gently with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. Avoid bleach, chemicals, and household cleaners, as well as ultrasonic cleaners and steamers, to preserve your opal’s beauty.
The Meaning of Opals
The word “opal” comes from the Greek Opallios, meaning “to see a change of colour,” and the Roman Opalus, meaning “precious stone.” Ancient Greeks believed opals were the joyful tears of Zeus, while the Romans saw them as symbols of hope and fortune. The superstition that opals are unlucky originated in the 19th and 20th centuries, likely due to myths linking opals with death. In truth, most cultures regard opals as lucky, and Australian Aboriginals believe opals bring harmony.
Would You Like to See Our Boulder Opal Jewellery?
Prism Design will be at IJL 2019 on stand V100 from the 1st to the 3rd of September. Join us to see our boulder opal jewellery collection alongside our colourful Milburn & Ley pieces and our popular Ti2 Titanium range. Can’t make it? Contact us to arrange a visit—Sally and Barry would be delighted to show you the collection in person.
Are you a UK jeweller interested in creating your own boulder opal designs? We also offer a selection of loose boulder opals for creatives. Rejoice in the colour!