Black Opal is to become the State's official gemstone emblem.

Premier Morris Iemma today announced the Government would designate the Black Opal as the State’s official gemstone emblem.

Mr Iemma said black opals were the most rare and valuable type of opal and are found mainly in Lightning Ridge.

"Black opals rank with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires as among the most valuable gemstones in the world," Mr Iemma said.

"Given the NSW town of Lightning Ridge is one of only two places in the world where the black opal is mined, and it is the world’s major commercial producer of the gemstone, it is appropriate that we formally recognise its importance to the State.

"That’s why my Government will amend the State Arms, Symbols and Emblems Act to include the black opal.

"This move will be a boost to both the opal mining and tourism industries."

NSW already has the Waratah as the State flower, the Blue Groper as the State fish, the kookaburra as the State bird and the platypus as the state animal.

Black opal facts:

• It is the most rare and valuable type of opal.
• Black opal is a naturally occurring solid opal with a coloured face and black body colour.
• Black opal has a dark body tone which gives the colour greater intensity and vibrancy.
• The word 'black' doesn't refer to the colours displayed by the opal but the natural black potch underneath the colour. Potch is common opal, ie opal without colour.
• Black opal comes in every colour of the rainbow and no two stones are alike.

Media contact: Kristina Resanceff 8289 3926