Lightning Ridge is a small town located in New South Wales, Australia, known for its rich deposits of opal, a precious gemstone. The area is famous for producing the unique black opal, which is highly sought after by collectors and jewelers. The town has a population of around 1,000 residents and serves as a hub for opal mining activities. Visitors to Lightning Ridge can explore various attractions, including the Big Opal and the Glenwood Opal Mine. The town also features underground homes, known as dugouts, which were built to escape the extreme heat. Overall, Lightning Ridge offers a unique blend of mining history and natural beauty.