Why Opal Prices Differ So Much: A Buyer’s Guide

Opals are among the most visually enchanting gemstones on Earth—but their price tags? All over the place. Some cost under $50, others hit thousands per carat. If you've ever wondered why are opals so expensive (or so cheap, in some cases), you're not alone.

This guide is your go-to opal price guide, helping you understand what factors shape the cost, how to evaluate quality, and where to confidently buy opal gemstone online—whether you're a collector, a casual shopper, or a reseller.

Understanding Opal Value: Not All Fire Is Equal

From Australian Black Opals to Ethiopian Welo Opals, the range is wide—but what really influences the price?

1. Type of Opal

• Black Opal: The most valuable, with intense play-of-color against a dark body tone.
  

• White Opal: More common and affordable, with pastel-like flashes.
  

• Crystal Opal: Transparent or semi-transparent with brilliant inner fire.
  

• Boulder Opal: Unique for its natural backing (ironstone) that adds durability and value.
  

• Fire Opal: Fire Opals are typically orange to red, prized more for body color than color play.
  

Each variety has its own price spectrum—so when someone asks how much does opal cost, the first question to ask back is: Which type?

2. Play-of-Color (and Why It Matters)

That magical rainbow flash isn’t just pretty—it’s the single most important factor affecting opal price per carat.

• Vividness & range: Red, orange, and vibrant green flashes fetch more than pale blue.
  

• Pattern: Rare patterns like harlequin or rolling flash can spike the price.
  

• Brightness: Duller stones are cheaper—even if they show the same colors.
  
  

Want to geek out more? See:  What are the Astrological Benefits of Wearing an Opal Gemstone?

3. Origin and Rarity

Australian opals dominate the premium market (especially from Lightning Ridge). Ethiopian opals, though more affordable, are often hydrophane—which makes them porous and more fragile.

Some rare specimens—like Honduran black matrix or opals from Nevada's Virgin Valley—carry cult status among collectors.

✨ Fun Fact: There’s an opal named Virgin Rainbow which is valued at over 1 million USD. Learn more about it here → Identify a Real Opal at Home

4. Carat Weight vs. Visual Impact

Unlike diamonds, opals aren’t judged on carat weight alone. A 3-carat dull white opal may cost less than a fiery 1-carat black opal. 

However, once you go above 5 carats with rare material, expect prices to climb sharply.

5. Treatment and Imitation

• Natural vs. Treated: Stabilized or smoke-treated opals are less valuable.
  

• Doublets & Triplets: These are thin slices of opal layered with backing or clear top layers—more affordable but also less durable.
  

• Fakes: Synthetic opals and resin copies can be convincing. Be wary of deals that look too good to be true.
  

💡 Learn Why is Aurora Opals the most popular type of Opals?

Cheap vs Expensive Opal: What’s the Real Difference?

Tips for Buying Opals Online

• Check certification. Reputable sellers provide gemstone authenticity certificates.
  

• Look for detailed videos. Play-of-color is best judged in motion.
  

• Buy from trusted sites. Check reviews, return policies, and background.
  

We recommend this best website to buy gemstones to buy opal gemstone online confidently.

Final Thoughts: What Opal Is Worth It?

When you understand the difference between cheap vs expensive opals—from body tone to play-of-color, from rarity to treatment—you can shop smarter. Whether you're chasing a collector’s dream or looking for your first piece, the opal world is rich in color and even richer in meaning.

So next time you hear someone ask why are opals so expensive, you’ll know it’s not just about price—it’s about the full story behind every shimmer.

FAQs About Pricing and Shopping for Opal

1. Why are the prices of opal different between different sellers?

Ans: Opal stone price is impacted by opal type, its color, size, where it is from, any treatment it has received, and the reputation of the vendor. Since certified sellers promise authenticity, they usually charge higher prices.

2. I want to know how to confirm that an opal crystal is real.

Ans: Check if the lab is approved, see what other buyers say about it, and look for different flashes of color and other features under lights.

3. What is the value of treated opal when compared to natural opal?

Ans: Yes. Though treated opals may look fine, true opal stones remain the number one choice for those who want to keep and sell opals in the long run.

4. Do I have the option to purchase bulk opal stones, with the purpose of selling them later?

Ans: Absolutely. A lot of reliable dealers, for example GemstonesForSale, supply authentic gemstones for resale at wholesale prices.

5. What aspects should I look into before buying an opal on the internet?

Ans: Check that the pictures and videos are clear, the jewelry is certified, there’s a return policy, reviews are available and the item’s description is thorough before buying.