black opal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Specialist (Gemology, Jewellery), Literary
Quick answer
What does “black opal” mean?
A rare, dark variety of the gemstone opal, typically displaying vivid flashes of colour (play-of-colour) against a dark body tone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rare, dark variety of the gemstone opal, typically displaying vivid flashes of colour (play-of-colour) against a dark body tone.
Can refer metaphorically to something rare, mysterious, and possessing hidden depths or surprising beauty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related terms follows regional norms (e.g., jewellery/jewelry, colour/color).
Connotations
Identical connotations of rarity, value, and exotic beauty.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties; used primarily in gemological and jewellery contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “black opal” in a Sentence
[verb] a black opal: mine, discover, cut, polish, set, wear, valueblack opal [verb]: shimmers, flashes, gleams, is valued atVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “black opal” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She preferred a black-opal necklace for the evening.
American English
- The black-opal inlay was stunning.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in luxury goods, jewellery retail, and gemstone investment sectors.
Academic
Used in geology, mineralogy, and gemology papers.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation unless discussing jewellery or gemstones.
Technical
Precise term in gemmology for opals with a N1-N4 body tone on the darkness scale.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “black opal”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “black opal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “black opal”
- Using 'black opal' for any dark-coloured opal (many are grey). Capitalising it incorrectly unless part of a proper name (e.g., 'Australian Black Opal').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not entirely. The 'black' refers to the dark body tone (background colour), which can be dark grey, blue, or green. The gem displays vibrant flashes of other colours against this dark base.
The most famous source is Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, Australia, which produces the world's most valuable black opals. They are also found in other parts of Australia and Ethiopia.
Their rarity, combined with the dramatic visual contrast between the dark body colour and the bright play-of-colour, makes them highly desirable. High-quality specimens are extremely scarce.
Opals are relatively soft and contain water. Avoid extreme temperature changes, harsh chemicals, and prolonged exposure to bright light or dryness. Clean with a soft, damp cloth.
A rare, dark variety of the gemstone opal, typically displaying vivid flashes of colour (play-of-colour) against a dark body tone.
Black opal is usually technical/specialist (gemology, jewellery), literary in register.
Black opal: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈəʊ.pəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈoʊ.pəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly, but may feature in metaphorical language: 'a personality like a black opal - dark but fascinating'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a black night sky (BLACK) suddenly lit by a dazzling, colourful aurora (OPAL).
Conceptual Metaphor
RARE BEAUTY IS A BLACK OPAL: Concealed value within a dark exterior; mystery containing brilliance.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a black opal?