6.8" Black Opal Sphere - Madagascar

Black opal from Madagascar is a striking variety of common opal celebrated for its deep, inky body color and swirling internal patterns. Unlike precious opal, which displays play-of-color, Madagascar black opal is valued for its dramatic contrast—jet-black backgrounds streaked with smoky grays, warm browns, or subtle golden tones. These patterns form as silica-rich fluids settle into volcanic or sedimentary cavities and gradually solidify, trapping fine mineral impurities that give the opal its characteristic darkness and flowing banding.

Much of Madagascar’s black opal comes from deposits in the island’s central and southern regions, where weathered volcanic rocks and silica-bearing sediments provided the perfect environment for opal formation. The material takes an excellent polish, revealing a glossy, glass-like finish that highlights its mysterious, storm-cloud aesthetic.