The Eclectic Lapidary is currently undergoing renovation. As primitive man so cherished a hot, red fire in the blackness of night, so do gem lovers of the world value above all other opals, the red on black opal.
Many factors contribute to the identification of such a superb gem black opal.
The location of its mine of origin is the first consideration, Australia being the most desirable as the gem quality opal there is of sedimentary formation rather than volcanic. All of these are part and parcel of the gem look, that special magic, hence gem value, of the opal. Opal aficionados have their individual preferences, but market consensus gives top dollar value to red on black. The Red Robin, Red Admiral, Black Prince, Pride of Australia, Firestorm, The Flamingo, The Cardinal, The Southern Princess, and The Flame Queen are among the list of precious , world renown, red on black gem opals. The lists go on and on.