GRADING REPORT ROBO071
- Identification: Natural Unheated & Untreated Black Opal
- Carat: 0.71
- Shape: One-sided Round Cabochon
- Measures: 6.72x6.84x2.73 (millimeter)
- Body Color: Black (N1)
- Play of Color: Very Good
- Color Range: Blue, Violet, Purple
- Pattern: Pinfire
- Clarity: Opaque - Free of Inclusions
- Cutting Grade: Very Good
- Finish: Very Good
- Depth: 40%
- Origin: Lightning Ridge, Australia
Treatment: None
Certificate No: IGI 345841102
Overall Grade: Excellent
Comment: Black opal from the Lightning Ridge mines in Australia, the number one source of these opaque gems which are called 'dark' or 'black' for their underside color with N1, black like this, being thought the best. Most is what you can see from the gem, which is the upper-side and its colors. This roundish near 7mm blue is a rare competitor to even the finest sapphire as far as the depth and intensity of the blue goes. The main difference could be said is that while a sapphire sparkles, an opal moves color. But beware, once you take a lens to the blue depths off this gem, you are set up for muscle-cramps in hands and fingers until your eyes threaten you with a headache unless you stop staring. From the normal jewelry perspective, the view resembles a planet seen from far space, ours with the pacific view, or a water-based fantasy world. Never dark, never pale, eye-catching from a good distance, big enough for any lady's ring, untreated certified 'black opal', no visible flaws (one lens-only surface speck) with more shades of deep blue than the eye and brain can fathom. Affordable under one carat but full face-up, the best possible hues from cobalt spinel, kyanite and sapphire rolled in one gem, your own little planet in space.
