Opal Matrix

Rainbow Magic. The slightly different opal.

A treated Opal Matrix with dark background and colourful flash.

A treated Opal Matrix with dark background and predominantly red play-of-colour.

A pair of treated Opal Matrix stones with dark background and green and orange play-of-colour.

A collection of treated Opal Matrix stones showing the various colourplay possible with these opals.

Opal Matrix is an opal variety with a colourful play-of-colour on a darker body colour. It consists of a light to honey-colored mixture of opal, sand, kaolin, and clay particles.

In addition to natural Opal Matrix, you can also find treated Opal Matrix. Since this stone is usually finely porous, it is the only opal that can be easily treated. The treatment does not change the opal itself, but rather the colour of the matrix stone. The treatment is done with a sugar solution, which is then carbonized.

After treatment, these stones sometimes look deceptively similar to Black Opal.

Opal Matrix can promote our well-being. It strengthens our ability to empathize with our fellow humans, and helps us to maintain a cheerful mind and inner peace.

A map of Australia showing Andamooka, where Opal Matrix is mined.

Mining and processing

The only known locality of this material is Andamooka in South Australia. Andamooka was discovered around 1930 by farm workers from nearby Andamooka Station and is approximately 600 km north of Adelaide.

Andamooka is known for exceptional opal varieties. Among other things, the most beautiful crystal opals in the world, as well as the unique honey opals are found there.

Since the deposits there are almost exhausted, only very rarely anything is found or offered from old stock.

A sign advertising a shop that sells Opal Matrix in Andamooka.

A view of the opal fields of Andamooka, where Opal Matrix is mined.