Discover our blog about opals, minerals and gemstone fairs
Discover our blog dedicated to natural opals, their origin, their formation and their value.
Learn to recognize a true opal, choose a quality stone and understand the differences between Australian opals, white opals and black opals.
Our comprehensive guides accompany you to buy an opal with confidence, understand its price and explore the most beautiful stones in the world.
Rough Opal What differences between nobby and rub?
When one wants to buy a raw Australian opal, some terms may be confusing. This is particularly the case with the English expressions opal rub and nobby opal. However, these words do not refer to two diopal varieties or two opposing categories. Everything...
The History of Opal Researchers in Australia: The Outback Pioneers
George Lowe, opal researcher in his mine at Lightning Ridge 1953. Source: National Library of Australia The history of oopal researchers in Australia is made of adventure, patience and sometimes extraordinary discoveries. Since the end of the 19th century,...
Mining field Allawah : history and opals of Lightning Ridge
The Australian Black Opals are among the Gemstones the rarest in the world. For over a century, Lightning Ridge, in New South Wales, is considered the world reference for the production of these exceptional gems. Yet...
Opal of Winton : origin, characteristics and value
The Winton is one of the most characteristic stones in Queensland, Australia. It belongs mainly to the family of rock opals, Precious Opals which remain naturally associated with a brown, reddish or ferruginous rock...
Opals White Cliffs: the historic cradle of Australian opals
Opals White Cliffs, in New South Wales State, occupy a special place in the history of Australian opal. This small isolated village, lost in the heart of the Outback, is considered the first major commercial opal deposit in Australia. He...
Opal of Mintabie : Australian collection opal
The Mintabie is a rare Australian opal known for its play of colour its mining history and growing interest in collectors and lovers of natural gems.
European Minerals Fair 2026 in Lunéville in Meurthe-et-Moselle (54)
Visual credit: Official poster of the 8th European Minerals Exhibition in Lunéville, Salle Le Reservoir, 25 and 26 July 2026. Reproduction authorized with the kind agreement of the organiser.The European Mining Fair of Lunéville 2026 returns for its 8th edition...
Koroit opal: origin, patterns, prices and purchasing advice
Koroit opal is one of the most recognizable Australian baker opals. It comes from Queensland, Australia, and is distinguished by its very graphic natural motifs. This stone combines precious opal with a brown rock called ironstone. Thanks to...
Mineral Exchange in Millau 2026: dates, place and useful information
Poster of the Mineral Exchange in Millau 2026. Poster credit: Kristalia Mineral Expos. Poster used with the permission of the organizer. Thanks to Kristalia Mineral Expos for her deal. The Mineral Exchange in Millau 2026 will take place on 17, 18 and 19 July...
Opale baker: origin, colours, value and buying advice
The opal bolter is one of the most popular Australian opals. It seduces by its intense colours, its natural forms and its direct connection to the rock in which it formed. Unlike other opals, it often retains a portion of...
Mineral, Fossile and Jewelry Fair in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer 2026
Poster credit: Universe Minerals – Salon Minerals, Fossiles and Jewelry of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer 2026. Poster used with permission of the organiser.The Minerals, Fossiles and Jewelry Fair of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer 2026 will take place on 4 and 5 July 2026 in the...
Coober Pedy: Australia's White Opal World Capital
Coober Pedy lies in the heart of the Australian desert. This mining city attracts enthusiasts from around the world. Fans know it especially for its white opals, crystal opals and underground houses. It is often called the capital...
Lightning Ridge Opal: Origin, Color, Value and Buying Tips
Lightning Ridge's opal is one of the most sought-after Australian opals in the world. It is famous for its intense colours, spectacular reflections and, above all, its magnificent black opals. Located in New South Wales, Australia, this...
2nd Fossil Mineral Exhibition in Cazaubon-Barbotan-les-Thermes on 11 and 12 July 2026
Visual credit: official poster of the event "Minerals, fossils and dinosaurs – Cazaubon / Barbotan-les-Thermes, 11 & 12 July 2026". Reproduction authorized with the kind agreement of the CPMA organization.The Cazaubon fossil mineral fair returns for a...
Why the opal fascinates collectors so much?
The opal is a precious stone apart. Unlike many gems, it not only seduces by its colour, but by its changing reflections. Depending on the light, the same opal can reveal blue, green, orange, yellow or sometimes even red....
History of Opal: From Antiquity to Today
The opal is one of the most fascinating gemstones in the world. For more than 4,000 years, it has intrigued civilizations with its changing colours and unique reflections. From ancient empires to the famous Australian mines, the history of the opal mixes...
Scholarship at the Minerals and Fossiles of Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes 2026
The Bourse aux Minéraux et aux Fossiles de Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes will take place on 13 and 14 June 2026 at the Salle Camille Farjon, in the Vaucluse. This event is organized by the Mineral Geological Association of Sainte Cecile. It is addressed to those passionate about...
Mineral & Gem 2026 in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines: the must-see fair for lovers of opals and gems
Every year, the Mineral & Gem Fair transforms the city of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines into a world capital of minerals, fossils and precious stones. Recognized as one of the largest international fairs dedicated to natural gems and natural...
How to clean an opal without damaging and permanently preserving its radiance
The opal is a unique gemstone appreciated for its spectacular color sets and incomparable natural light. Unlike other more resistant gems, the opal has a more fragile structure that requires precise and delicate maintenance....
Why are some opals worth more than diamonds?
Some rare opals are now reaching exceptional prices. In some cases, more expensive opals than diamonds are more attractive to collectors because of their rarity, colour and uniqueness. Australian opals, especially...
Why is Australian opal becoming rare? | Complete Guide 2026
Why is Australian opal becoming increasingly rare? Australian opal is one of the most fascinating gemstones in the world. Its unique color sets - red, green, blue or multicolored - give the impression that a real rainbow...
Australian raw opal prices in 2026: full guide
Introduction The price of Australian raw opals in 2026 is attracting increasing interest. Indeed, these natural stones are increasingly sought after for their unique beauty and their potential after size. However, all raw opals do not have the same...
Price of polished opals in 2026: complete guide to values and estimates .
Introduction The price of polished opals in 2026 varies greatly according to quality, rarity, origin and type of stone. Indeed, some polished opals remain accessible, while others reach much higher price levels. So...
Noble opal, doublette, triplette: how to recognize them?
Noble opal, doublette, triplette: what differences? The opal is a fascinating stone. It attracts with its playful colours, changing light and unique appearance. Yet, many people wonder what the difference is between a...
Top 5 gold mines in Australia
Top 5 Doopal Mines in Australia: Complete Guide Introduction Australia is the world leader in opal, with over 90% of world production. Thanks to unique geological conditions, this country offers Gemstones with exceptional colors...
The shop
Follow us
Opales & Gems is a professional member of the International Gem Society (IGS).
