The Gemstone for the Modern Age
Australian Boulder Opal
Opal has been called many things; a talisman of good fortune, a gift from the gods, even a stone of mystery. Whatever the legend, its beauty has captivated people for thousands of years, and it continues to inspire us today.
Among all varieties, Boulder Opal holds a special place. Found only in outback Australia, it forms where silica-rich water once seeped into ancient ironstone over millions of years, solidifying into veins and flashes of vivid colour. These opals are nature’s artwork, each one entirely unique, impossible to recreate.
Big Red Mine
Unlike large-scale mining, boulder opal is unearthed by small miners working individual claims, often family operations connected to the land. Our own family mine, Big Red, lies south of Winton on Fermoy Station – an area once covered by an inland sea more than 60 million years ago, now known for its opal fields and fossil discoveries.
Family Operation
Big Red began as one of Queensland’s earliest boulder mines in the late 1800s. My father, Ross Chapman, leased the claim in 1985, continuing the tradition with his father and cousin for over 25 years. The name Big Red was chosen for its rarity, red opal being the most prized and sought-after of all.
Loved Legacy
Though we’ve now retired from mining, we continue to cut and work with the rough opal gathered across those years. My father, a gemmologist, gem cutter and jeweller, still brings each stone to life by hand revealing its fire, depth, and story.
At Lurlina, we honour that legacy. Each opal we use carries the colour of the Queensland outback, the craftsmanship of generations, and the quiet wonder of the earth itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Australian Boulder Opal is found only in Queensland, formed over 60 million years ago when silica-rich water settled into cracks in ironstone. This natural fusion of opal and ironstone gives each stone a unique pattern and incredible play of colour. Our Boulder Opals come directly from our family-owned Big Red Mine near Winton, an area famous for producing some of the world’s finest opal. Each piece in our collection is hand-cut and crafted to highlight its natural beauty. No two are ever the same.
Every opal we sell is 100% natural and ethically sourced from within Australia. We never use synthetic, doublet, or triplet stones (which are often thin slices of opal glued between artificial layers). The opals you see in our jewellery are solid stones, cut, polished, and set by hand. Many come straight from our family mine, Big Red, ensuring full traceability and authenticity.
Opals are a precious gemstone with a slightly softer surface than diamonds or sapphires, so gentle care keeps them beautiful for generations. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and extreme temperature changes. Wipe your opal gently with a soft cloth and store it separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching. Our opals are solid stones, so you don’t need to worry about them drying out or delaminating like composite stones.