In 1870, the discovery of the Lightning Ridge black opal fields significantly boosted opal mining in Australia. This discovery attracted miners and investors, leading to a thriving opal industry. The growth of opal mining not only contributed to the Australian economy but also established the country as a major player in the global gemstone market.

The opal mining boom in Australia starting in 1870 evoked wonder and iridescence in both Australian and global descriptive poetry. Poets began to use opal as a metaphor for beauty and transience, reflecting on the relationship between nature and human endeavor.