Black opal named NSW emblem
April 10, 2008
The black opal has been named the official gemstone emblem of the Australian state of New South Wales. The opal will join the waratah, blue groper, kookaburra and platypus as another state emblem.
Premier Morris Iemma, who announced the decision, said black opals were the most rare and valuable type of opal and are found mainly in Lightning Ridge in northern NSW.
"Black opals rank with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires as among the most valuable gemstones in the world," Mr Iemma said.
"Given the NSW town of Lightning Ridge is one of only two places in the world where the black opal is mined, and it is the world's major commercial producer of the gemstone, it is appropriate that we formally recognise its importance to the State.
"That's why my Government will amend the State Arms, Symbols and Emblems Act to include the black opal. This move will be a boost to both the opal mining and tourism industries."
State Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries put a process in place last year for the precious stone to become the NSW State gemstone emblem.
"Currently NSW emblems include the Waratah as the floral emblem, the Kookaburra as our bird emblem, the Platypus as our animal emblem and the Blue Groper as our fish emblem, the missing emblem is our gemstone," Mr Humphries said.
"Unlike ordinary opals, black opals have carbon and oxide trace elements present, resulting in darker body tone and brilliant, striking rainbow colours which stand out far better than lighter opals."
He said the multi-million dollar opal industry was very much at home in NSW, set amongst the surreal landscape of Lightning Ridge and its local characters.
"The passion for opals is thriving within the far northern community and their sense of enthusiasm towards the black opal deserves to be shared with the whole State," Mr Humphries said.
With Queensland home to the Sapphire gemstone emblem and South Australia also proclaiming the opal as their State gemstone, he said the appointment of the black opal as the NSW gemstone would generate benefits not only for Lightning Ridge, the Walgett Shire but regional and NSW tourism in general.
"Lightning Ridge is a totally unique community and a place every Australian should visit. By putting the black opal on the NSW map we can promote Lightning Ridge and the fabulous stones and jewellery it produces, plus the wonderful diversity of resources and communities here in NSW."
Black opal facts:
- It is the most rare and valuable type of opal.
- Black opal is a naturally occurring solid opal with a coloured face and black body colour.
- Black opal has a dark body tone which gives the colour greater intensity and vibrancy.
- The word 'black' doesn't refer to the colours displayed by the opal but the natural black potch underneath the colour. Potch is common opal, ie opal without colour.
- Black opal comes in every colour of the rainbow and no two stones are alike.
Sources: ABC News, Department of Primary Industries, NSW Nationals.