{"product_id":"4-45ct-lightning-ridge-black-opal","title":"4.45ct Lightning Ridge Black Opal","description":"\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"16wygbj\" data-start=\"312\" data-end=\"336\"\u003e4.45ct Natural Lightning Ridge Black Opal\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"16wygbj\" data-start=\"312\" data-end=\"336\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Formation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"337\" data-end=\"710\"\u003eFormed over \u003cstrong data-start=\"349\" data-end=\"377\"\u003e90–100 million years ago\u003c\/strong\u003e, these opals date back to the age of the dinosaurs, when inland seas covered much of Australia. Silica-rich water slowly seeped into cracks and cavities within the earth, eventually solidifying into opal. Over millions of years, this process created the vibrant internal structure responsible for the opal’s famous \u003cem data-start=\"693\" data-end=\"709\"\u003eplay-of-colour\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"hpr0yy\" data-start=\"712\" data-end=\"732\"\u003eHow It’s Mined\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"733\" data-end=\"1111\"\u003eLightning Ridge black opals are mined deep underground in narrow seams using a combination of traditional and modern techniques. Miners carefully excavate horizontal tunnels, often following thin “opal levels” through sandstone and claystone. Every piece is extracted by hand with precision—making each stone not only rare, but a product of skilled craftsmanship and dedication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"w386rc\" data-start=\"1113\" data-end=\"1140\"\u003eWhat Makes It So Rare\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1141\" data-end=\"1429\"\u003eBlack opal is considered the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1170\" data-end=\"1224\"\u003erarest and most valuable type of opal in the world\u003c\/strong\u003e due to its naturally dark body tone. This dark base enhances the intensity and contrast of the colours, allowing vibrant flashes of red, green, blue, and purple to stand out with exceptional brilliance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1431\" data-end=\"1600\"\u003eUnlike other opals, which are more common and often lighter in tone, true black opal is found \u003cstrong data-start=\"1525\" data-end=\"1566\"\u003ealmost exclusively in Lightning Ridge\u003c\/strong\u003e, making supply extremely limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1tkwvl1\" data-start=\"1602\" data-end=\"1645\"\u003eWhy Choose Lightning Ridge Black Opal\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1954\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1wt002f\" data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1738\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1648\" data-end=\"1674\"\u003eUnrivalled Colour Play\u003c\/strong\u003e – Bright, electric flashes that shift with light and movement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"t530of\" data-start=\"1739\" data-end=\"1797\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1741\" data-end=\"1759\"\u003eExtreme Rarity\u003c\/strong\u003e – Found in only one region globally\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1k2zrhk\" data-start=\"1798\" data-end=\"1869\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1800\" data-end=\"1819\"\u003eNatural History\u003c\/strong\u003e – A gemstone formed during the age of dinosaurs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1oc5krc\" data-start=\"1870\" data-end=\"1954\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1872\" data-end=\"1892\"\u003eInvestment Value\u003c\/strong\u003e – Highly sought after by collectors and jewellers worldwide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1956\" data-end=\"2080\"\u003eEach Lightning Ridge black opal is completely unique—no two stones will ever display the same pattern or colour combination.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MiloOpal Australia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47990430269632,"sku":"LR1","price":2300.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0748\/5531\/7696\/files\/MagicEraser_260326_100605.jpg?v=1774484654","url":"https:\/\/miloopal.com\/products\/4-45ct-lightning-ridge-black-opal","provider":"MiloOpal Australia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}