Ā Opals have long fascinated gem enthusiasts and collectors globally, renowned for their captivating play of colors and distinctive characteristics. Among these enchanting gemstones, one reigns supreme in both magnificence and rarity, earning the esteemed title of the most beautiful opal in the world: the Virgin Rainbow.
Valued at an impressive sum exceeding $1 million, the Virgin Rainbow, originating from the opal-rich lands of Australia, stands as a testament to the allure that opals have maintained throughout history. Its unparalleled beauty and scarcity have propelled it to a level above other renowned opals globally.
This extraordinary gemstone dazzles observers with a brilliant play of colors resembling a rainbow, showcasing vivid hues of red, blue, green, and violet. Its exceptional quality and vibrant appearance are attributed to its formation within the remains of an extinct belemnite "pipe," an ancient relative of the modern cuttlefish.
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| Photo: Richard Lyons courtesy South Australian Museum |
One distinguishing feature of the Virgin Rainbow is its ability to glow in the dark, adding an extra layer of enchantment to its breathtaking allure. The opal's translucent nature allows light to pass through, creating a captivating interplay of colors within the stone.
Significance of The Virgin Rainbow Opal
While the Virgin Rainbow may be relatively young compared to other famous opals, its discovery in Australia, a renowned opal-producing region, instantly elevates its significance and value, exceeding $1 million. Surrounded by illustrious Australian opals such as the Aurora Australis, Fire Queen, and Flame Queen, the Virgin Rainbow stands out as a rare and exceptional treasure.
Discovery and Journey of the Virgin Rainbow Opal
Discovered in 2003 in Coober Pedy, Australia, by miner John Dunstan, the Virgin Rainbow opal quickly gained recognition as one of the world's most beautiful opals, with a valuation exceeding $1 million. Formed inside the fossilized skeleton of an extinct cephalopod known as belemnitida from the Mesozoic era, the opal features a black body color with vibrant flashes of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, and violet. Its unique ability to glow in the dark further adds to its allure.
Upon discovery, Dunstan, working solo in the opal field, recognized the opal's exceptional beauty and sought confirmation from a gemologist. The gemologist, acknowledging its rarity, bestowed upon it the name "Virgin Rainbow" due to its extraordinary beauty and distinctive glow.
Although initially offered at auction without meeting Dunstan's expectations, the opal found its permanent home at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide. The museum acquired the Virgin Rainbow at a substantial sum, reflecting its exceptional value.
Now proudly on display at the South Australian Museum, the Virgin Rainbow serves as a breathtaking testament to the marvels of nature, encapsulating the beauty and wonder that continue to captivate generations.
What sets the Virgin Rainbow opal apart from others?
Ā Here are some distinctive features that make this opal truly exceptional,
- Rarity: The Virgin Rainbow stands among the rarest opals globally, with only a handful of comparable gems in terms of both beauty and intrinsic value.
- Beauty: Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, the Virgin Rainbow is a gemstone that captivates observers. Its black body color is adorned with vivid flashes of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, and violet. The dynamic interplay of these vibrant colors seems to shift and transform based on how light interacts with the opal.
- Glow in the Dark: Adding to its allure, the Virgin Rainbow is recognized for its unique ability to glow in the dark. This distinctive feature is attributed to the presence of a mineral called opalescence, causing the opal to reflect light in a remarkable and enchanting manner.
The Virgin Rainbow opal is undeniably a remarkable gemstone, showcasing the wonders of nature. Its rarity, stunning beauty, and captivating properties ensure that it will be admired and cherished for generations to come.