There are 3 main types of precious opal found in Australia: light, black and boulder opal. The majority of our jewellery is made with Australian light opal from the opal fields of the state of South Australia. The mining areas are spread through the far north east of the state. The main mining centre is Coober Pedy, although the surrounding mining areas of Mintabie, Andamooka and Lambina are still mined on a limited scale.

Mining for opal is for the majority undertaken by individuals, families or partnerships. There are no large scale mining companies involved unlike most other natural resources. Consistently finding opal is the biggest impediment, due to the way opal is formed and the opals softness relative to the hardness of the host rock precludes industrial diamond style mining methods. These factors conspire to make yields unpredictable, which is a significant reason large scale mining companies have never been involved.

Mining for opal is for the majority undertaken by individuals, families or partnerships. There are no large scale mining companies involved unlike most other natural resources.

Consistently finding opal is the biggest impediment, due to the way opal is formed and the opals softness relative to the hardness of the host rock precludes industrial diamond style mining methods. These factors conspire to make yields unpredictable, which is a significant reason large scale mining companies have never been involved.

Mining in Coober Pedy peaked in the 1970's and is currently in a state of decline, making the sourcing of rough opal a difficult and expensive process. We have buyers on-site in Coober Pedy during the mining season. We also have representatives who visit Coober Pedy on a regular basis. We foster strong ties with miners in order to maintain good on-going relationships, and generate "win win" situations.

Rough opal is purchased as a parcel, made up of a wide variety of grades which only expert eyes can determine the potential value. There is an inherent risk in buying opal in the rough form as the true value is not absolutely known. There are many factors which may greatly value or devalue a parcel, which can only be determined once the opal has been cut and polished. The expertise of the Opal House team, with over 120 years combined experience in opal, excels in this area. jewellery market.