World's finest opals to be shown in Qatar

Two of the finest opals ever unearthed along with dozens of other precious gemstones will be displayed outside Australia for the first time.

The collection of about 60 stones, including the opals Virgin Rainbow and Fire of Australia, will be shown at the Australian embassy in Qatar's capital, Doha.

The display will run from late May to mid-June and is a modified version of an exhibition at the South Australian Museum.

Museum director Brian Oldman says it is part of a growing relationship between Australia and the Middle Eastern country and is an example of the museum's collections being recognised globally.

Mr Oldman says the Virgin Rainbow is worth more than $1 million.

"It has only been on public display once before and will provide visitors to the exhibition with an unmatched spectacle of colour and beauty," he said.