Opal

Item Description

This is old material from a private collection in Germany, which we found at the Munich show: a classic specimen of Aussie boulder opal, but interesting in that it shows a natural scenery-like view on the surface. Australian opal is world renowned for its quality and color variation and this piece is no exception! It shows how opal forms at the surface of a fracture within the rocks here; and is also worthy of any fine minerals collection. This is a vintage specimen of "precious opal" from this locality in matrix: most such specimens were carved out for use in jewelry. This, once exposed, was lightly buffed and left in the rock. Unlike most such opals which have no symmetry or pattern generally, this seems to show a landscape pattern. It masses 310.90 cts, although without value as opal gemstone to my mind, compared to its higher value as a natural and beautiful specimen. Valued $2000-plus.