The electric blue of a fine Lightning Ridge black opal is among the most immediately compelling and visually powerful of all gem colour expressions — a vivid, saturated blue of extraordinary purity and intensity, appearing to glow from within the dark body of the stone with a luminous, electric quality that no other gemstone variety can match. Blue play-of-colour on a dark black opal body tone creates an effect of extraordinary depth and contrast: the dark N1-N2 body tone acts as an ideal background, allowing the vivid blue to stand out with maximum saturation and brilliance, the colour appearing to float within the dark stone rather than merely appearing on its surface. This large Lightning Ridge black opal displays an exceptional electric blue broad flash — vivid, saturated blue appearing in large, sweeping patches across the dark face with outstanding colour coverage and excellent brightness. The broad flash pattern — where large areas of a single dominant colour sweep the face — is among the most classically beautiful of all opal colour patterns, and the pure, saturated blue at this intensity on a near-black body tone represents a highly desirable combination of body tone and colour. At this physical size, the stone has a commanding presence and an outstanding visual impact. Natural black opal. Origin: Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia | Body tone: N1–N2 | Play-of-colour: electric blue broad flash | Cut: Cabochon | Brightness: 4/5
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