Opal — the gemstone that captures rainbows inside a single stone — has always fascinated collectors, jewellers, and anyone who loves nature’s art. With its shimmering colours and mystical charm, opal has a reputation for being rare and otherworldly. But here’s a question many UK readers are starting to ask: Can you actually find opal in the United Kingdom?
Let’s explore where opal comes from, what types exist, and whether the UK is home to any of this magical gem. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to expect if you’re hunting for opal stones — whether as a collector, a jeweller, or simply an admirer of gemstones.
What Is Opal?
Opal is a gemstone formed from hydrated silica, meaning it contains small amounts of water trapped within its structure. This unique composition allows opal to diffract light — producing that famous “play of colour” where the stone seems to shimmer with blues, greens, reds, and yellows.
There are two main categories of opal:
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Precious Opal: Displays a vivid play of colour and is highly sought after for jewellery.
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Common Opal (Potch): Has little to no play of colour but can still be beautiful in pastel or milky shades.
Opal is also October’s birthstone, symbolising hope, creativity, and truth. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), opal’s value depends on its brightness, pattern, colour range, and overall transparency. Some of the rarest opals can fetch over £10,000 per carat, especially from famous mines in Australia or Ethiopia.
Where Has Opal Been Found?
Opal is found all over the world, though not all deposits are created equal. Around 90% of the world’s opal comes from Australia, particularly from areas like Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, and Andamooka. Australian opal is known for its intense colour and durability — it’s the standard by which all other opals are measured.
Other notable sources include:
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Ethiopia: Known for its vibrant and affordable opal stones.
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Mexico: Famous for its fiery orange-red “Mexican fire opal.”
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Brazil: Produces lighter, transparent opals.
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United States (Nevada and Idaho): Known for black and crystal opals.
Each region produces opal with unique patterns and hues depending on local geology.
Can You Find Opal in the UK?
The short answer: Yes — but it’s very rare.
While the UK isn’t famous for opal mining, there have been small discoveries of opal-like minerals within British rock formations. These are typically common opals, rather than the bright, colourful precious opals seen in Australian or Ethiopian varieties.
In particular, traces of opal have been reported in:
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Scotland – Some parts of the Scottish Highlands show signs of opaline deposits, often associated with volcanic rock and silica-rich environments.
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Wales – Opaline materials have occasionally been found near historic mining regions.
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Cornwall, England – Known for its rich mineral deposits, Cornwall has produced small amounts of opaline silica in the past.
However, these occurrences are extremely limited. The UK’s cooler climate and geology don’t provide the perfect conditions for opal formation, which typically requires long periods of silica-rich water evaporation in arid areas. That’s why opal is far more common in countries like Australia, where heat and geological activity combine perfectly for its creation.
So, while you can find opal in the UK, you’re unlikely to stumble upon a gem-quality stone. Most opals found here are common opals — milky or opaque in appearance, rather than dazzling and colourful.
What Type of Opal Can You Find in the UK?
If you’re gemstone hunting in the UK, the types of opal you might come across are:
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Common Opal: These stones often lack play of colour but can come in soft shades of white, grey, or blue.
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Opaline Silica: Sometimes mistaken for quartz, this form can occur in small veins within volcanic or sedimentary rocks.
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Fossilised Opal: On rare occasions, opal replaces organic material like wood or shell, creating “opalised fossils.”
While rare, these British finds are valuable for collectors and geology enthusiasts. They show the natural diversity of the UK’s mineral landscape — even if they’re not the bright rainbow gems we associate with Australia.
Should You Buy Opal in the UK?
Absolutely — but with a few things in mind.
Most opal sold in the UK is imported from Australia or Ethiopia, where gemstone quality is much higher. When shopping, always ask your jeweller about the origin of the stone and whether it’s natural, synthetic, or treated.
Here are a few buying tips:
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Buy from reputable jewellers who provide certificates of authenticity.
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Avoid opal doublets or triplets unless you’re aware they’re composite stones (thin opal layers glued to backing material).
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Look for stable stones. Opal can be sensitive to moisture and heat changes, so check the stone’s condition before purchase.
The UK has a thriving jewellery market, and opal pieces — whether imported or local — are increasingly popular. In fact, a 2024 report by The Jewellery Edit found that searches for “opal engagement rings” in the UK grew by over 30% in the last year, thanks to their unique look and symbolism.
So, even though opal isn’t mined widely here, there’s no shortage of stunning opal jewellery available to buy across the country.
Conclusion
So, is opal found in the UK? Technically, yes — but not in the glittering, gem-quality form seen in Australia or Ethiopia. The UK’s few deposits are mostly common opals or silica-based minerals rather than precious stones.
Still, opal jewellery is widely available in Britain, imported from the world’s top sources. Whether you’re buying a ring, pendant, or loose stone, always shop from reputable sellers who can verify authenticity.
If you’re a collector, exploring the UK’s natural landscape might still reward you with a small opaline discovery — a fascinating piece of geological history right beneath your feet.
FAQ’S
Is opal mined in the UK?
Opal is not actively mined in the UK. However, small traces of common opal and opaline silica have been discovered in places like Cornwall and Scotland.
What kind of opal can I find in the UK?
Mostly common opal, which lacks the rainbow play of colour seen in precious opal. Occasionally, small opaline veins or fossilised material can be found.
Can I buy opal jewellery in the UK?
Yes. Most UK jewellers source opal from Australia or Ethiopia. It’s widely available in shops and online.
Is British opal valuable?
Not typically. Common opal from the UK is more of a collector’s curiosity than a commercial gemstone.
Should I buy opal jewellery in the UK?
Definitely. UK jewellers offer a wide selection of imported opals in high-quality settings, from rings to earrings, often at fair prices.