Outback Gem - Live on an Opal Field in Grawin, NSW, AU

Rough opal, that is, opal as it comes out of the ground:

And opal ready to be polished:

Stunning beauties

The aspect of this gem that grabs me and sometimes mesmerizes me, is that no two opals are alike. Each stone has its own colour, pattern and brilliance, as unique as finger prints.

So you think opals are bad luck?

Many years ago, in a land far away (South Africa), diamond mine owners got frightened of the beautiful opal stones coming out of Australia's bush country. They knew that the opal stone could take the jewellery world by storm, and in an effort to protect the diamond industry, they spread a vicious rumour that reported opals to be bad luck. They told fictitious stories of people losing vast fortunes after buying an opal.

IT IS NOT TRUE. Actually I could point to the lot of the South African diamond miners and claim that it's diamonds that bring bad luck. They have horrendous working conditions, poor pay and hard living conditions.

On the other hand, opal miners are blessed with a lifestyle they choose. Most of those who strike it rich continue to live the outback lifestyle, often keeping their strikes a secret. Take it from one who has lived and loved the life of an opal miner in the Lightning Ridge area. The only luck connected with finding opals is all good.