The word opal comes from the Latin opalus, which in turn is usually traced to the Sanskrit upala, simply meaning a precious stone. Pakistan has no settled Urdu trade name for it, so customers here just ask for opal. It is the October birthstone, and in Vedic astrology it is connected with Venus. We share those as traditions, not as promises.

Now the stone in front of you. This is a 2.05 carat solid natural opal from Australia, reference AG-000573. It rates 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, so it needs more looking after than ruby or sapphire, and a pendant or earrings will serve it better than a ring worn every day.

As for treatment, plenty of solid opal is sold just as it came out of the ground, but smoking and sugar treatment are both practised in the trade. We list solid natural opal only, and if you message us on WhatsApp we will share whatever we know about this exact piece.

For background, read our October birthstone guide, or browse the opal category for other weights.

Pay in cash once you have opened the parcel and are satisfied. Karachi usually gets it in 1–2 working days, other major cities in 2–4, and you can return it within 7 days.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural australian opal with a weight of 2.05 Carat. Its price is Rs. 15,000 — roughly Rs. 7,317 for each carat. Origin: Australia. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000573 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

Between two and six carats is the range most people choose for a gents' ring or a noticeable pendant. Here colour drives the price more than size does, which is why two stones of near-identical weight can be priced very differently.

Whoever you buy australian opal from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every australian opal for those three points before it is listed, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. No lab report yet; independent testing welcome. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Solid opal is usually untreated; some opal is smoke- or sugar-treated, and doublets/triplets exist — we sell solid natural opal. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.