Australian Gems - Overview
Introduction to Australia's gem production, world leadership in opal, and significant sapphire and chrysoprase deposits.
australia opal sapphire
Introduction
Australia is a world-leading gem producer, most famous for opal but also
producing significant sapphire, chrysoprase, and other coloured stones.
Australian opal accounts for approximately 95% of world production.
The distinctive characteristics of Australian gems, particularly opal,
make origin an important value factor.
Major Gem Types
Australia's primary gem production:
Opal
- Black opal: Lightning Ridge, NSW (most valuable)
- White opal: Coober Pedy, SA (major production)
- Boulder opal: Queensland (ironstone matrix)
- Crystal opal: Various locations
- Market share: ~95% of world opal production
Sapphire
- New South Wales: Inverell, Glen Innes
- Queensland: Anakie, Rubyvale
- Character: Often darker; parti-sapphires notable
- Volume: Major commercial production
Other Gems
- Chrysoprase: Marlborough, Queensland (finest worldwide)
- Zircon: Various colours, good quality
- Diamonds: Argyle mine (closed 2020) - historic pink source
Australian Gem Trade
Market characteristics:
- Opal dominance: Australia defines the world opal market
- Sapphire commercial: Major volume producer
- Niche specialties: Parti-sapphire, chrysoprase, boulder opal
- Ethical sourcing: Generally good labour standards
- Origin documentation: Certificates available
- Treatment disclosure: Good industry standards
Regional Distribution
Gems by Australian state:
New South Wales
South Australia
- Coober Pedy (white opal - largest opal field)
- Andamooka (matrix opal)
- Mintabie (opal)
Queensland
Western Australia
- Argyle (diamonds - closed 2020)
- Prehnite deposits
- Limited gemstone production