Dark Magic Nebula Opal™ Rough Block
The New Standard of Colloidal Resin Opal.
Engineered for maximum fire. Built for precision cutting.
- Weight: 460g guaranteed minimum (~500g average)
- Dimensions: ~130 × 65 × 47mm
- Format: Hand-cut rough block (slight dimensional variations apply)
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN SHOPPING AT THE OPAL DEALER
AVAILABLE NEBULA OPAL™ COLORS
Hover to see the color in motion
Asteroid
Black Ember
Black Rainbow
Blue Abyss
Blue Giant
Blue Haze
Blue Prism
Crystal Blue
Cyan Galaxy
Dark Magic
Darkside
Dead Sea
Enchanted
Garden Isle
Golden Galaxy
Green Galaxy
Guava
Honeycomb
Hydro
Icicle
Lightning
Lilac Galaxy
Meteor
Mystic Blue
Ocean Blue
Oracle
Party Punch
Pearl Pink
Pink Lemonade
Pixie
Poppy
Purple Haze
Raspberry Haze
Sangria
Serenity
Slime
Solis
Star Power
Starfish
Starlight
Starship
Supernova
Teal Rainbow
Tiki
Toxic Sludge
Twilight
Violet Fusion
White Rainbow
WHY NEBULA OPAL SETS A NEW STANDARD
Nebula Opal™ uses the same colloidal resin method associated with Aurora Opal — refined for larger format, cleaner structure, and improved yield.
Larger Format, Higher Yield
Nebula Opal™ blocks average approximately 130 × 65 × 47mm and ~500g, providing substantially more uninterrupted working volume than Aurora Opal blocks at 110 × 55 × 40mm (~325g). The increased mass allows for larger slabs, improved cab yield, and greater flexibility for knife scales, pen blanks, and custom fabrication.
Improved Internal Consistency
Manufacturing tolerances are controlled to reduce variable density zones and upper-layer surface bubbles. While minor surface bubbles may occur, internal clarity is significantly more uniform, resulting in more predictable cutting and less waste trimming.
Refined Color Development
Nebula Opal™ features deeper color saturation, refined multi-tone blending, and more cohesive pattern distribution. The ordered silica microsphere structure produces vibrant, non-directional play-of-color with consistent visual movement across larger surfaces.
Engineered for Makers
Sawn rough blocks are delivered unpolished and ready for lapidary work. The material responds well to wet cutting, controlled sanding, and epoxy bonding. Heat exposure above 130°C is not recommended.
NEBULA OPAL™ VS. AURORA OPAL
| Specification | Nebula Opal™ | Aurora Opal |
|---|---|---|
| Full Block Size | 130 x 130 x 47mm | 110 x 110 x 40mm |
| Average Weight | ~500g | ~325g |
| Internal Banding / Striations | Minimal to None | Prominent / Common |
| Surface Bubble Frequency | Reduced | More Common |
| Available Colors | 48 Options | ~20 Options |
Note: Both materials are manufactured using a colloidal resin method. Nebula Opal™ differentiates by reducing distinct growth lines and offering a much cleaner internal structure for lapidary work.
Working With Nebula Opal Blocks
The images below feature the exact same block of Blue Prism Nebula Opal, captured under three distinct lighting environments to demonstrate its dynamic optical properties.
- Pattern Variation: Unique pattern density and color distribution inherent to each block.
- Optical Properties: Dynamic play-of-color that shifts based on lighting environments.
- Delivery State: Shipped as raw, sawn, and unpolished blanks.
- Yield Expectations: Standard kerf and material yield loss applies during cutting, sanding, and final polishing.
Applications & Potential Uses
Nebula Opal half blocks are designed for fabrication and lapidary work. The larger 130 × 65 × 47mm format allows for flexible cutting strategies and efficient slab layout for various projects.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Nebula Opal™ is not natural opal. Nebula Opal™ is a colloidal resin opal engineered with ordered silica microspheres to produce vibrant, non-directional play-of-color. Nebula Opal™ is manufactured for consistency, color control, and fabrication performance rather than geological rarity.
Nebula Opal™ uses the same colloidal resin manufacturing method associated with Aurora Opal, but Nebula Opal™ is produced with tighter quality control, a larger half-block format, reduced visible internal lines, and expanded color development. Nebula Opal™ is designed to deliver cleaner slabs and more predictable cutting yield.
Nebula Opal™ measures approximately Mohs 2. Nebula Opal™ performs very well in cabochons, inlay, beads, earrings, pendants, and protected settings. Because Nebula Opal™ is a softer decorative material, high-abrasion daily wear should use protective bezels or recessed settings to shield edges and surfaces.
Nebula Opal™ can be used for rings when incorporated into a protective design. Bezel settings, recessed seats, and thicker profiles help preserve the surface.
Nebula Opal™ should be cut with coolant to control heat and prevent surface softening. Nebula Opal™ is not torch safe and should not be exposed to temperatures above 130°C. Nebula Opal™ responds well to progressive sanding and finishes to a high gloss with fine polishing compounds.