The best quality opal in the world comes from Australia, with black opal found predominantly in New South Wales and white opal in South Australia. Australia has significant gemstone deposits, and opal was chosen as the national gemstone. While opal is found in many parts of the world, the quantity and quality of Australian opal, especially black opal, is considered the highest. Opal jewelry from Australia is loved worldwide for the range of colors displayed in opal stones.