Opal-AN (Hyalite Opal)

Item Description

This is some of the most distinctive "Hyalite" Opal (now called Oplan-AN) from this lesser known locality in North Carolina. The material shows a distinct blue hue which is rare for Opal in general, and like many Hyalites from around the world, it shows an INTENSE green fluorescence under SW UV light. The Hyalite is sitting on white Quartz matrix with minor Mica. A great specimen for anybody who collects Opals or has an interest in specimens from this famous granite pegmatite locality. Please note: For years this material was referred to as "Hyalite" Opal, but is now listed as a variety of Opal called Opal-AN. This material is specifically an amorphous (often colorless) form of Opal that is found in spherical aggregates, that are often intergrown or stacked with a "bead"-like appearance. The listing on mindat.org states that "The "A" in the name stands for amorphous; the subscript "N" is to imply its structure is network-like similar to silica glass; however, it still contains about 3-8% water".