The main difference in price is due to the fact that black, white and crystal opals are solid opals. The entire stone is comprised of opal, whereas boulder and yowah opals are primarily ironstone with small amounts of opal throughout, or on top. The weight of a yowah or boulder stone is mostly worthless ironstone, whereas the other opals are pure opal. It’s kind of like comparing solid opals to opal doublets and triplets. The solid black stone may cost $2000, whereas a doublet or triplet that has the same colors and brightness may only cost $200. Reason being, there is only a very small amount of actual gemstone present in the doublets and triplets. Will boulder prices rise as black opals become more scarce, yes, but I doubt to the degree that you imply.
The main difference in price is due to the fact that black, white and crystal opals are solid opals. The entire stone is comprised of opal, whereas boulder and yowah opals are primarily ironstone with small amounts of opal throughout, or on top. The weight of a yowah or boulder stone is mostly worthless ironstone, whereas the other opals are pure opal. It’s kind of like comparing solid opals to opal doublets and triplets. The solid black stone may cost $2000, whereas a doublet or triplet that has the same colors and brightness may only cost $200. Reason being, there is only a very small amount of actual gemstone present in the doublets and triplets. Will boulder prices rise as black opals become more scarce, yes, but I doubt to the degree that you imply.
Comment by opalholic — May 2, 2008 @ 9:19 am
Black opal is still more investment value than the others, and I think this will keep for long time.
Comment by Rough Opal — May 26, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
my favorite gemstone is none other than diamond. the most expensive and priceless gemstone ever.-~-
Comment by Ewan Matthews — May 19, 2010 @ 7:17 pm
Diamonds and Rubys are my favorite gemstones, i like the color red and the sparkle of diamond.`,”
Comment by Jennifer Powell — July 21, 2010 @ 4:42 am