Last week, I tried black opal fossicking. Black opal is the rarest of all opals in the world and is only found in 2 places in the world: Lightning Ridge + Ethiopia. Did my homework first, to know what to look for. Then did 2 must-do tours: Black Opal tour of Lightning Ridge town area + Outback Black Opal tour (goes about 80km south west of Lightning Ridge, northern NSW) + watched an excellent in-person presentation at Down to Earth Opals at Lightning Ridge (3.30p.m. every Wednesday and Friday), to learn how the rough stones are cut and polished. Both tours (but especially the full-day Outback Black Opal tour) were great + included fossicking experiences. I found a beautiful little, rare, black opal with the rarest of all colours, red, inside at the Glengarry "Hilton" fossicking site. Had it cut and polished at Down to Earth opal shop. My precious little memento is worth around $600 now, though if sold in a shop, would be priced around $1,200. I caught the Murray's bus from Roma Street, Brisbane, direct to Lightning Ridge. 11 1/2 hour, comfortable, trip, but stops at Goondiwindi, St. George, Dirranbandi en route, so it's great to see these little towns as an extra. Murray's service goes there and returns 2 x week; A wonderful experience. Even if you don't find any opals, the experience is so worth it. Visit the Chambers of the Black Hand on the first tour of the town area. Amazing experience also. 10.5.2025
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