• Location: Dubniky, Slovakia
• Weight: 0.4g = 2.2 ct
• Dimensions: 1 x 0.9 x 0.3 cm
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The precious Opalee from Dubniky in Slovakia is considered one of the rarest and most beautiful gemstones in the world. This exceptional stone was formed millions of years ago during post-volcanic activity, when the specific chemical and physical conditions necessary for its formation were met in a volcano. Even the slightest change in these conditions could have prevented the formation of such a rare gemstone. Dubniky Opalee stands out for its colour, where light passing through the specific microstructure of the stone creates a breathtaking optical phenomenon, which the human eye perceives as moving color rays. The body of the stone is usually white or translucent, which further accentuates its color play. The history of Opalee mining in Dubnik dates back to the 16th century, when Emperor Rudolf II issued a permit for their search. Mining became so important that interest in Opalees skyrocketed and the precious stones were sought after by European nobility and rulers. Among the famous personalities who owned jewellery with Opalees from Dubnica were Maria Theresa, Napoleon Bonaparte, King Louis XVIII, Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria (Sissi) and Queen Victoria. The historical significance of these gems is evidenced by the price that the Opalees achieved - the value often exceeded the price of 100 grams of pure Gold for 1 carat of Opalee. The British Royal Family, for example, paid the equivalent of seven million euros for a single Opalee. The heyday of Opalee mining in Dubnik occurred between 1830 and 1896. Although Opalees were discovered in Australia in the mid-19th century, Dubnik Opalees retained their prestige and remained the most sought-after Opalees in the world. Their uniqueness was heightened after the tragedy of 1950, when a valuable collection of more than 366,000 Opalees was destroyed in a museum fire, further adding to their rarity. Nowadays, deep mining is no longer taking place in Dubnik, but individuals continue to uncover rocks and search for Opalees by hand. These stones are still highly valued by collectors and jewellers for their rarity and unique beauty. Despite its high cost, the Dubnica Opalee retains its status as an exceptional investment, and its value continues to rise due to limited natural reserves and increasing demand. Precious Opalees are distinguished from common synthetic imitations by their long history and origin from Exclusive localities such as Dubnik. While synthetic Opalees can lose their color and quality, genuine Opalees from Dubnik are known for their stable and enduring beauty.