–Boulder Opal are only found centrally in remote areas in the state of Queensland, Australia & produce the 2nd most valuable/rarest type of opal
(Occasionally Boulder Opal is also found in the boarding state/mining fields of New South Wales, though not a common occurrence)
–The host rock is an identifiable feature of this type of opal & can be ironstone, sandstone, fossilised material ie. wood or, materials such as manganese (although this is less common)
–Boulder Opal is unlike other types of opal & holds its own in terms of uniqueness from the fact it forms within the host rock or “boulders”
–There are names for different types Boulder Opal; seam/vein, pipe, crystal, matrix & also ones that are named specifically after the areas they come from ie. yowah nuts or Koriot opal.
–Australian Opals have something for every budget as quality can range from common opal through to high end/high quality gem grade opal. These classifications can fall under;
- Low commercial
- Medium commercial
- High commercial grade
- Gem grade quality
- Mixed grade material
–Boulder Opal are predominately cut in freeform shapes following & honouring the natural linings of the seams/veins within the host rock. This unique form of opal is handled differently when cutting compared to other types of Australian Opal due to the unique formations within the host rocks.
Other forms of Australian Opal are commonly cut into commercial & calibrated shapes.
Trying to do this with Boulder Opal is like trying to force a round peg into a square hole. It just doesn’t work & can result in the opal being devalued &/or being deem worthless. We work with the opal & what Mother Nature has created, not against it
Under certain circumstances pieces will have formed in a way that can allow for a more commercial style cut
