While Australia is home to various precious stones and minerals, the opal was officially proclaimed as the national gemstone in . Which of the following facts is officially cited to demonstrate why the opal is a uniquely significant and appropriate symbol for the Australian nation?
- Australia is responsible for approximately of the world's precious opal production.Answer
- BThe opal is the only gemstone featured prominently on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms alongside the kangaroo and the emu.
- CThe opal was selected because every specimen found in Australia naturally displays the official national colors of green and gold.
Answer
The correct answer is that Australia produces approximately of the world's precious opal.
The correct answer identifies that Australia produces approximately of the world's precious opal. This staggering proportion makes the gemstone a unique natural resource that is globally synonymous with Australia, which was the primary justification for its official proclamation as a national symbol by the Governor-General in .
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The significance of the Opal as a national symbol is tied to Australia's status as the world's leading producer.
Hints
1
Consider the scale of Australia's contribution to the global supply of this gemstone.
2
Think about the percentage of the world's precious opal that comes specifically from Australian mines like Coober Pedy or Lightning Ridge.
3
The official reason for its selection is that nearly all of the world's supply () is found in Australia.
Practice More
Review the origins of other symbols, such as the Golden Wattle, to avoid confusing their meanings with the National Gemstone.
Estimated Time:1m 30s