New Opal Analyser objectively classifies and grades opal gemstones

ICNNSW helped Opal Producers Australia Ltd (OPAL), to convert its gem of an idea of objectively assessing and identifying opals into a fully functioning system that may become the industry standard.

The Gemological Digital Analyser, (GDA), works by measuring the refracted and reflected light from an opal, which has been illuminated by an incandescent bulb. The measurement takes place in a controlled environment, at many viewing angles by a digital camera. The resulting data obtained by examining the colour and luminescence of individual pixels in each viewing plane of the opal’s 360 degree rotation and 90 degree horizontal movement. The resulting data provides detailed, three dimensional information about the stone.

OPAL’s chairman Mr. Graham Hornabrook requested ICNNSW Central West Region Manager, Jeremy Cubitt, to find Australian engineers with the capability of understanding the concept to objectively grade and identify opals and to develop a reliable and verifiable system.

Cubitt introduced OPAL to Dr. Paul C. Wong of Applied Robotics, Auburn, Sydney who demonstrated both capability and enthusiasm for the project. While Applied Robotics had the capability to design and produce the hardware equipment to make accurate optoelectronic scans of opal, it needed assistance in developing the highly specialised software necessary to interpret the resulting data. Dr Wong referred the problem to the CSIRO and Ms. Leanne Bischoff was appointed to the project. The CSIRO team of image analysis and software engineers and programmers has successfully developed the GDA’s technology, which produces a graphical output from the opal’s exact optical characteristics and grade.

ICNNSW is also involved in solving some of the whole of life aspects of the GDA, including calibration and maintenance

The GDA is now being commercialized, which will provide certainty to both opal sellers and buyers by objectively and accurately assaying opal for grade quality assessment and related valuation. It may also be used for uniquely identifying individual opals which could provide security against substitution and theft. GDA certified opal will be marketed under the brand name OPALLIA and will be packaged in an attractive jewellery box, containing its OPALLIA certificate of authenticity and colour histogram, which could be regarded as the gemstone’s DNA.

To assist with commercialisation, ICNNSW has also introduced GDA to an international jewellery manufacturer and distributor which can market OPALLIA opals globally.

OPAL is confident that the GDA technology can be adopted and applied to other gemstones adding certainty to classification and identification.

For further information contact Mr Jeremy Cubitt:

jcubitt@icnnsw.org.au