Obsession and Fascination with Opal

Black opal exerts a powerful, almost mystical hold on characters like Michael, Paul, and the Armitages, driving their dreams, actions, and moral dilemmas, often blurring the line between reverence and greed.

Paul's overwhelming excitement about the opal strike overshadows his wife's death, highlighting the obsession with opal.

The men display a worshipful appreciation of black opal, and Paul is childlike in his fascination with the stones.

Dawe Armitage's passion for black opal and the mesmerising effect of the stones on beholders highlight the theme of obsession.

Armitage admits the opal business has 'got' him; Dawe hoards stones like a child; Snowshoes loves opal more than money; the story of opal corrupting guards illustrates its mesmerizing power.