Where is opal found?

Opal, the mesmerizing gemstone renowned for its iridescent hues and captivating play of colours, is predominantly found in Australia, where an astonishing 95% of the world's opal originates. The major sources of opal in Australia occur along the shoreline of what was an ancient inland sea now known as the Great Artesian Basin. The rugged and desolate Australian outback provided unique conditions for silica-rich water to seep deep into the Earth’s cracks, initiating the 90-million-year process of opal formation.

Australia’s Opal fields lie in the three states of Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. Light opal is predominantly found in South Australia, black opal from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales and boulder opal from Queensland [see map below].

Among the various opal mining locations in Australia, Mintabie in South Australia stands out for its historical significance and unique appeal. Once a bustling hub of opal mining activity in the 1980s, Mintabie holds a special place in the heart of Harri, River Gemz's esteemed lapidary expert. It was in the rugged terrains of Mintabie that Harri honed his craft, meticulously extracting opals of unparalleled beauty and brilliance. See an example of Mintabie Opal here.

Although Mintabie is now closed to mining, its legacy lives on in the exquisite opals crafted by Harri at River Gemz. Each opal from Mintabie carries with it a rich history and a touch of nostalgia, making it a truly special addition to any gemstone collection.

In addition to Australia, opal can also be found in regions like Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, Hungary, Turkey and the United States. Each location offers opals with distinct characteristics, but Australian opal is considered the finest in the world.

River Gemz takes pride in sourcing only the finest opals from mines across Australia. By working closely with local miners and gemstone experts, we ensure that each opal in our collection meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Whether you're looking for a delicate opal pendant or a statement opal ring, River Gemz has something to suit every style and preference.

If you would like to learn more about opals see our blogs section. For example: What types of opal are there?