Opal

Opal is not technically a mineral, it is made up of tiny spheres of silica that create a multicoloured effect known as "play of colour".

Nineteen48 offers a range of responsibly sourced opal from our trusted partner, Capricorn Gems, that operate a small-scale mine in Queensland Australia.

Queensland is the second-largest state in Australia, located in the north-east of the country. Most of the gemstone mining is either artisanal or small-scale (ASM), run by individuals or partnerships.

Queensland is known to produce sapphire, zircon, chrysoprase, topaz and boulder opal.

The mining operations adhere to all the relevant laws and regulations as set out by the Queensland Government Department of Mines.

Nineteen48 offers a selection of beautiful Australian gemstones through its trusted partner, Capricorn Gems, led by Ian Bone.

Specialising in responsibly sourced stones from Queensland, Capricorn Gems focuses on four main varieties: sapphire, opal, zircon, and chrysoprase.

The gemstones are typically cut and polished at a dedicated workshop in Thailand to ensure exceptional quality.

Capricorn Gems sapphires come mainly from Central Queensland, west of the town of Emerald, in a remote region that includes the small communities of Anakie, Rubyvale, and Sapphire. This area is sparsely populated, and most of the mining is carried out by individual miners, families, or small partnerships. All operations are regulated by the Queensland Government’s Department of Mines, ensuring responsible and safe practices.