【中国】2019 Auction Records for Opal Rough Stones: Historical Price Trends and Highest Records

Editor’s Note

This article provides a brief overview of the historical auction records for opal rough stones, highlighting their emergence in the 1950s and a notable 1953 auction debut.

2019拍卖欧泊石原石的记录:历年价格走势与更高纪录
Historical Auction Records for Opal Rough Stones

Over the years, auction records for opal rough stones have been established.
1. In the 1950s, a new type of high-quality gemstone emerged in the auction market: opal. These rough stones typically exhibit sky blue, deep blue, or blue-green colors and have become highly favored by collectors.
2. In 1953, a large opal rough stone weighing approximately 190.27 grams made its debut at an auction. This rough stone was hailed as…

Prices of Opal and Agate Rough Stones

Opal and agate rough stones are two common types of gemstone roughs, each holding certain value in the market. Below is an introduction to the price situation of these two rough stones.
Opal, also known as obsidian, is a black volcanic glass. It usually presents a smooth and lustrous appearance, sometimes with a metallic sheen. The price of opal is determined by its quality and color. High-quality opal is generally rarer and thus commands a higher price. Color also influences the price; for instance, pure black opal is priced higher than opal with other colored spots. Overall, the price of opal in the market ranges from several hundred to several thousand yuan.
Agate rough stone is a multi-layered, mottled, and colorful gemstone. Its colors are rich and varied, including red, yellow, blue, green, and more. The price of agate rough stone is also determined by its quality and color. High-quality agate rough stones are typically smooth and brightly colored, commanding relatively higher prices. In terms of color, red agate rough stones are priced higher, while other colors are relatively lower. Overall, the price of agate rough stones in the market also ranges from several hundred to several thousand yuan.
In summary, the prices of both opal and agate rough stones depend on their quality and color. High-quality, exceptionally rare, and pure black opal commands higher prices, while high-quality, smooth, and brightly colored agate rough stones also have relatively higher prices. Of course, market prices are also influenced by supply and demand, which may cause certain fluctuations. For consumers purchasing rough stones, it is wise to choose certified merchants and compare prices.

White Opal Rough Stone

White opal rough stone is a very precious gemstone, also known as white opal. Its color is typically colorless or light, making it very suitable for jewelry making. Opal has very high hardness, making it a very durable gemstone.
Opal rough stones usually appear as blocks or crystals and can be processed into various shapes and sizes. They are often cut into round, oval, square, or botanical shapes, among others. The shape and size of the rough stone affect the value and use of the gemstone.
The color of opal is usually very pure, without other impurities or hues. Their colorless characteristics make them a high-quality gemstone, very popular. Due to their pure color, opal has high transparency, making the gemstone look like pure white crystal, very beautiful.
The price of opal is relatively high because it is a rare gemstone. The production of opal is very limited, with only a few places yielding it. Its scarcity increases its value, making it a very luxurious and high-quality gemstone.
Opal has many special properties, making it the preferred choice for jewelry manufacturers and designers. It is widely used in making rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and other jewelry, regarded as a symbol of luxury.
The hardness of opal makes it very suitable for daily wear, whether as a wedding ring or other types of jewelry. Its durability and stability make it a long-term value-preserving gemstone investment.
Therefore, opal rough stone is a very precious and valuable gemstone. Its pure color and high transparency make it a very beautiful jewelry material. After cutting and processing, opal can be made into various shapes and sizes of jewelry, very suitable for jewelry manufacturing and widely used in various jewelry designs. Whether as a luxurious accessory or an investment, opal is a very ideal choice.

Price Trends of Jadeite Rough Stones in Recent Years

In recent years, the price of jadeite rough stones has shown a fluctuating trend. Below is a detailed analysis of the price trends of jadeite rough stones:
1. 2018: The price of jadeite rough stones began to rise gradually in 2018. This year, domestic market demand for jadeite rough stones continued to increase, leading to a rapid rise in prices. Among them, high-quality jadeite rough stones saw continuously climbing prices.
2. 2019: In 2019, the price of jadeite rough stones continued to rise. This year, driven by popularity in both domestic and international markets, the price of jadeite rough stones soared at one point. Especially for high-quality jadeite rough stones, market speculation pushed their prices up. However, starting in the second half of 2019, the jadeite rough stone market experienced an adjustment, and prices began to fall.
3. 2020: The jadeite rough stone market in 2020 showed an overall downward trend. This year, affected by the pandemic, market demand dropped significantly, leading to a sharp decline in the price of jadeite rough stones. In addition, the increase in imported rough stones and supply also impacted prices.
4. 2021: In 2021, the price of jadeite rough stones began to gradually recover. As domestic and international economies and markets gradually recovered, demand for jadeite rough stones slowly increased. At the same time, influenced by some market regulation policies, related companies raised the prices of jadeite rough stones, hoping to stabilize market prices.
Therefore, in recent years, the price of jadeite rough stones has experienced fluctuating trends. However, overall, the price of jadeite rough stones remains high, especially for high-quality jadeite rough stones, which are still quite expensive. In the future, with changes in market demand and policy regulation, the price of jadeite rough stones may continue to fluctuate, requiring investors to closely monitor market dynamics.

What Does Egg-Shaped Opal Look Like and Is It Valuable?

Egg-shaped opal is a rare and precious gemstone, highly regarded for its unique appearance and precious characteristics. Its shape resembles an egg, hence the name.
The appearance characteristics of egg-shaped opal mainly include its unique egg shape, rainbow-like colors, and luster. Its color can be blue, green, purple, orange, and more, with blue and green being the most precious. This gemstone emits beautiful light under illumination, making it look even more enchanting. Additionally, egg-shaped opal often contains natural textures and cracks inside, adding to its unique beauty.
Egg-shaped opal is very rare in the market, so its value is high. Its value mainly depends on factors such as color, transparency, inclusions, and cut. Among these, color is one of the most important factors; blue and green opals are considered the rarest and most valuable. Transparency is also very important; the more transparent the opal, the higher its quality. Furthermore, the influence of inclusions cannot be ignored, as cracks and impurities inside the opal reduce its quality and value. Finally, cutting techniques and craftsmanship also affect the value of opal; good cutting can make the gemstone more brilliant and sparkling.
Due to the rarity and beauty of egg-shaped opal, its price in the market is often high. Depending on market conditions, quality, and other factors, its price may fluctuate. Generally, the price of egg-shaped opal starts at several thousand US dollars, with higher-quality gemstones commanding even higher prices.
Therefore, egg-shaped opal is a precious and unique gemstone with a charming appearance and valuable characteristics. Its high value makes it a gemstone pursued by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. Whether in terms of appearance or value, egg-shaped opal is a precious gemstone worth investing in and collecting.

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⏰ Published on: January 28, 2026