
OrthoFix US LLC Brings Australian Opal Rough to the US Market, Expanding Beyond Medical Devices
Lewisville, TX – October 26, 2023 – OrthoFix US LLC, a leading company known for its innovative medical devices focused on orthopedics and spinal care, is making a surprising yet exciting move into the gemstone market with the introduction of Australian Opal Rough to the United States. While traditionally focused on helping patients heal and regain mobility, OrthoFix is leveraging its established logistics network and commitment to quality to bring a piece of the Australian Outback directly to US customers. For years, OrthoFix US LLC (located at 3451 Plano Pkwy, Lewisville, TX, 75056, and reachable at 615-687-5259) has been a trusted name in the medical field. They design, develop, and distribute a range of products aimed at correcting skeletal deformities and improving patient outcomes. Think of things that help broken bones heal better, or devices used in spine surgery – that's their bread and butter. But the team at OrthoFix, it seems, has a diverse range of interests, and a knack for sourcing high-quality materials. “We’ve built a really solid system for getting things where they need to be, and making sure they're top-notch,” explains a company representative. “We started looking at other areas where that system could be used, and we stumbled upon Australian Opal. It’s beautiful stuff, and frankly, we saw an opportunity to bring something special to the US market.” What is Australian Opal Rough? For those unfamiliar, Australian Opal is world-renowned for its stunning play of color. Unlike other gemstones which get their color from chemical impurities, opal’s color comes from the way light bends and diffracts within its microscopic silica spheres. “Rough” opal refers to the unpolished, natural state of the gemstone, straight from the mine. “A lot of people only know opal as the polished stone you see in jewelry,” says the OrthoFix representative. “But rough opal is where the magic really begins. It's like getting a blank canvas. Cutters and lapidaries then shape and polish it to reveal the full beauty of the stone. It’s a really fascinating process.” Why Australian Opal? Australia accounts for over 90% of the world’s opal production, particularly from regions like Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, and Mintabie. Each region yields opal with unique characteristics, contributing to a wide spectrum of colors and patterns. “We’re specifically sourcing rough opal from several different Australian mines,” explains the source at OrthoFix. “This allows us to offer a variety of types, including Black Opal (known for its dark body tone and vibrant colors), White Opal (more translucent and often showing pastel shades), and Crystal Opal (highly transparent with a clear background). We’re also getting some Boulder Opal, which is formed within ironstone boulders and offers a more earthy, organic look.” Bringing it to the US – A New Venture for OrthoFix This move might seem odd for a medical device company, but OrthoFix sees a natural fit. They’ve already mastered the art of international sourcing, quality control, and efficient logistics. “We're used to dealing with strict regulations and ensuring everything meets the highest standards – that carries over well to sourcing gemstones," says the representative. They’re not aiming to become a jewelry company, per se. Instead, OrthoFix is targeting lapidaries, opal cutters, jewelry designers, and hobbyists – anyone who enjoys working with rough gemstones. “We're supplying the raw material. We're leaving the artistry to the experts.” What's Available? OrthoFix US LLC is currently offering a range of Australian Opal Rough, categorized by: Type: Black Opal, White Opal, Crystal Opal, Boulder Opal Size: Pieces ranging from small cabochon-sized material to larger, more substantial chunks for experienced cutters. Grade: Pieces are categorized based on brightness, pattern, and overall quality. OrthoFix is offering pieces suitable for both beginners and experienced cutters. Origin: Clear labeling indicating the mine of origin, allowing customers to appreciate the unique characteristics of opal from different regions. “We have everything from ‘common’ opal, which is perfect for practice, to highly sought-after pieces with exceptional color play. We’re really focused on offering a diverse selection at competitive prices.” Quality Control – The OrthoFix Difference While beautiful, rough opal can be unpredictable. Opal is relatively soft and prone to cracking, especially during cutting and polishing. OrthoFix is addressing this with a rigorous quality control process. “We’re not just shipping stones in boxes,” explains the representative. “Each piece is carefully inspected for flaws, cracks, and potential issues. We’re working with experienced opal graders to ensure we’re only offering material that's suitable for cutting.” How to Get Your Hands on Australian Opal Rough Interested parties can learn more and purchase Australian Opal Rough directly through OrthoFix US LLC's website (details forthcoming – check their existing website for updates at [insert placeholder website address]). They can also contact the company directly at 615-687-5259. “We’re really excited about this new venture,” says the representative. “It’s a bit of a departure from our usual work, but it allows us to leverage our strengths and bring something beautiful and unique to the US market. We believe there’s a real demand for high-quality Australian Opal Rough, and we’re confident that we can deliver.” OrthoFix’s foray into the gemstone market is a surprising, yet potentially successful, expansion for the Lewisville-based company, demonstrating their ability to adapt and diversify their operations while maintaining their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. It's a shining example of how a company focused on healing can also bring a little bit of natural beauty into the world.