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Coober Pedy Opals – The Heart of Australia’s Gemstone Heritage

At MD Ossie Opals, our passion lies in one thing above all else: authentic Coober Pedy opals. Known across the world as the White Opal Capital, Coober Pedy in South Australia produces more than 80% of the world’s white opals.

We are proud to source directly from this legendary region, ensuring every stone is both natural and ethically mined. With worldwide shipping available, opal lovers everywhere can now experience the brilliance of Coober Pedy’s treasures.

White Structure

The History of Coober Pedy Opals

The story of Coober Pedy began in January 1915, when members of the New Colorado Prospecting Syndicate searched for gold near the arid plains. Instead, a 15-year-old boy named William Hutchison uncovered surface opals, a discovery that changed the gemstone world forever.

Within days, the first opal claims were pegged. Soon after, the O’Neill brothers and Fred Blakeley arrived, pioneering opal mining in the region. To survive the harsh desert climate, miners built underground homes, called dugouts, a tradition that still defines the town’s unique culture today.

The completion of the Trans Continental Railway in 1917 brought more miners and traders, including soldiers returning from World War I. Throughout the years, Coober Pedy’s history has been marked by booms and legendary finds, such as Tottie Bryant’s sensational opal discovery in 1946.

 

What Makes Coober Pedy Opals Unique?

Coober Pedy opals are instantly recognisable for their pale body tone and play of colour, flashing with vibrant reds, pinks, and greens. Each opal tells a geological story that began over 150 million years ago, when an ancient inland sea covered the region.

As the waters retreated, silica-rich solutions seeped into the sandstone, crystallising over time to create the spectacular gems we know today as opal. To hold a Coober Pedy opal is to hold a fragment of earth’s ancient history, alive with shifting light and colour.

 

Why Choose MD Ossie Opals for Coober Pedy Opals?

  • Ethically Sourced: We only supply responsibly mined stones from trusted partners in Coober Pedy.
     

  • Worldwide Shipping: From Australia to the UK, Europe, USA, and beyond, we ship globally.
     

  • Authenticity Guaranteed: Every opal is natural, not lab-created or synthetic.
     

  • For Jewellers & Collectors: Perfect for custom jewellery designs or for gemstone collections.
     

 

Shop Genuine Coober Pedy Opals – Delivered Worldwide

From loose stones to collector’s pieces, Coober Pedy opals remain the most sought-after opals in the world. Their shimmering beauty, forged deep within the earth millions of years ago, makes them timeless treasures for jewellery makers and gem enthusiasts alike.

Explore our collection today and discover why Coober Pedy is truly the heart of the opal world.

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