Harlequin Opal: The Most Expensive Opal
Harlequin Opal is a variety of Precious Opal in which the play of color is arranged in a vivid harlequin, diamond-shaped, or rectangular-shaped pattern.
This is an extremely rare pattern. Some stones may contain just a small part of the opal in this pattern but the pattern needs to encase the whole stone not just one part in order to be called a true Harlequin Opal.
This pattern has been unique to black opals from Lightning Ridge and red fire is by far the most rare. Black Opal with a body tone of N1 with this pattern can be worth around $5,000 to $30,000 per carat on the opal fields.
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| The Most Expensive Pattern of Opal. Peacock harlequin Opal. Photo: Opal Auctions |
The pattern is caused by the presence of silica spheres, which are arranged in a regular grid. The spheres reflect light in different directions, creating the illusion of movement and depth. Harlequin opal is often found in black or dark gray matrix, and it can be found in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
Barry O’Leary’s (Opal author) definition of a Harlequin opals is ”precious opal showing a regular mosaic-like chromatic pattern in rounded, angular, or roughly square patches of about equal size presenting a spangled appearance.
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| Harlequin Opal: The Most Expensive Pattern of Opal |
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| Harlequin Black Opal. Photo: Black Opal Direct |
Rarity and Value
Harlequin opals are among the rarest and most sought-after opal varieties, particularly those with a black body tone and a dominant red fire. Their rarity stems from the specific geological conditions required for their formation and the limited number of mines where they are found. The most valuable harlequin opals typically originate from Lightning Ridge in Australia, known for producing some of the world's finest opals.
The value of a harlequin opal can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:
Color: The intensity, variety, and pattern of the colors play a crucial role in determining value. Red fire is the most desirable and valuable color, followed by orange, yellow, and green.
Body tone: The background color of the opal, typically black, white, or grey, can influence its value. Black opals with harlequin patterns are generally more valuable than lighter-toned opals.
Size and weight: Larger and heavier harlequin opals tend to command higher prices.
Clarity and transparency: Opals with minimal internal flaws and good transparency are more valuable.
Pattern: The complexity and beauty of the harlequin pattern can significantly impact the value.
Due to their rarity and exceptional beauty, harlequin opals can fetch high prices, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars per carat for top-quality specimens.
Uses of Harlequin Opal
Harlequin opals are primarily used in jewelry, where their captivating play of color makes them highly sought-after for rings, pendants, earrings, and brooches. They are also prized by collectors and gemstone enthusiasts for their unique beauty and investment potential.
Investment potential: Due to their rarity and beauty, Harlequin Opals are considered a good investment, with their value often appreciating over time.
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