World’s 5 Most Expensive Opals

Opal: A Beautiful Gem

Opal is a stunning gem known for its sparkling colors that look like a tiny rainbow. Most opals come from Australia, but they can also be found in Ethiopia, Mexico, and Brazil. Today, people wear opals for their links to creativity, emotional healing, and inspiration.

In Vedic Astrology, opals are linked to Venus, the planet of beauty, love, and luxury. Opal is the birthstone for October and is considered lucky for people born under the Libra, Pisces, and Scorpio signs. It’s also connected to the Sacral chakra, which is thought to help with eye issues.

The Australian opal is the most valuable and expensive gem worldwide, and it’s ethically mined. One of the rarest opals, called the “Aurora Australis,” was discovered in Australia in 1938 and is known as the world’s most valuable black opal.

Let’s Look at the 5 Most Luxurious Opals

Here are five of the most stunning and expensive opals, each with its unique story:

1. Flame Queen Opal
   The Flame Queen opal is the most famous and valuable opal, found in Lightning Ridge, Australia. It has a beautiful color pattern called “harlequin.” In 1980, it sold for about INR 280,670,000 (USD 3.4 million).
2. Olympic Australis Opal
   This is the largest opal ever discovered and is valued by the Guinness Book of World Records. Found near Coober Pedy, Australia, in 1956, it weighs 17,000 carats and was valued at around INR 206,375,000 (USD 2.5 million).
3. Halley’s Comet Opal
   Discovered in 1910, the same year Halley’s Comet appeared, this opal weighs about 198 carats and has a pattern resembling a comet’s tail. It was valued at INR 99,060,000 (USD 1.2 million) in 2005.
4. Virgin Rainbow Opal
   This unique pipe-shaped opal was found in Coober Pedy in 2003. It weighs 72.65 carats and was valued at over INR 82,550,000 (USD 1 million).
5. Aurora Australis Opal
   This opal features a mix of bright colors and was discovered in 1938. Weighing 180 carats, it is one of the most valuable black opals, estimated at USD 1 million.

Conclusion
Opals, with their vibrant colors and rich history, are captivating gems that inspire people worldwide. From the record-setting Flame Queen Opal to the beautiful Aurora Australis, each opal tells a fascinating story. Whether appreciated for their beauty or their cultural significance, opals are truly treasured gems.

FAQs

1. Is opal more expensive than gold?
   Some high-quality opals can be more expensive than gold, depending on their color and rarity.

• What is the rarest opal?
  Black opals are considered the rarest, known for their striking colors against a dark background.

• Is opal rarer than diamond?
  Yes, precious opals are rarer than diamonds, as they form through a rare natural process.

• What is the most expensive opal ever sold?
  The Flame Queen Opal holds this record, selling for about INR 280,670,000 (USD 3.4 million) in 1980.

• What is opal good for?
  In Indian Astrology, opals are thought to bring clarity and help with emotional healing.

• Where is the most expensive opal found?
  The Flame Queen Opal is found in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia.