Opals are also a favourite of Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele with fire opals, a particularly bright, translucent style, featuring in his recent jewellery for the Italian house.

The Fire of Australia, the world’s finest uncut opal, has gone on permanent public display for the first time since its discovery more than 60 years ago.

The Fire of Australia, the world's finest uncut opal, becomes part of the South Australian Museum's collection more than 60 years after it was discovered.

The opal dubbed the Fire of Australia is back on public display after 70 years in a safe deposit box.