Green is one of the most sought-after and highly valued of all play-of-colour expressions in black opal — not the dark, subdued green of lesser material, but a vivid, electric bright green of the kind produced by the finest Lightning Ridge specimens, where the spectral diffraction of the silica sphere microstructure produces a colour of outstanding saturation and brightness against the dark body tone. This Lightning Ridge black opal displays an outstanding vivid green play-of-colour of exceptional quality — a bright, electric green with a yellow-green to pure green range that sweeps across the dark face in a flame-like pattern of considerable intensity. The flame pattern — where colour appears as elongated, irregular sweeps or streaks of colour across the face, reminiscent of green fire against a dark background — is highly effective at showcasing the vivid, saturated green and animating the play-of-colour with a dynamic, directional character of great visual power. The body tone is a deep dark N2-N3 black, providing a perfect dark foundation for the extraordinary green display. The colour brightness is outstanding — a vivid, brilliant green of the kind that commands significant collector interest. This is a fine quality Lightning Ridge black opal with one of the most immediately appealing colour expressions in the variety. Natural black opal. Origin: Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia | Body tone: N2 | Play-of-colour: vivid green flame | Cut: Cabochon | Brightness: 5/5
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