On offer is a unique boulder opal
from Western Queensland Australia
#118
WEIGHT: 80.00ct SIZE : 40 x 26 x 7 mm The image is the actual piece you will receive with leather adjustable necklace
AUSTRALIAN QUEENSLAND BOULDER OPAL
Opal is Australia’s national gemstone. Appearing to entrap fire and light in a myriad of colours, Opal is renowned as Australia’s national gemstone. Between 65 and 140 million years ago (the Cretaceous Period) much of central Australia was an inland sea bearing sediments rich in silica. Over time this sea receded leaving the silica deposits and forming a region which is now mostly desert (the Great Artesian Basin). Changes to these sediments caused by heavy weathering approximately 30-40 million years ago allowed the silica to dissolve and seep into the crevices and cracks of the earth. This silica solution hardened to form what we now identify as opal. However not all opal formed has the majestic play of colour of Australia’s precious opal. All opal is unique, and the colours and patterns within each stone changing with angle and view. No two opals are exactly alike and it is their ever changing rolls and flashes of colour that make opal a truly fascinating and beautiful gem. Opal forms in three key regions around Australia- New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia- and we provide the world with 95% of this gem.
Koroit opal is found in an area that was the edge of a mighty inland sea and where once there was lush vegetation and dinosaurs roamed. Over time the sea evaporated and left behind the opal, filling the voids in rocks over millions of years. When the rocks are extracted from the earth they show little of what lies inside and only when you break them open do they reveal their true splendour For International Customers please note that we ship using Australia Post Airmail Service. Your item will be shipped within 1 working day and transit times will vary according to your location. Also please note that you may be responsible for customs fees and experience longer postage times due to customs-related delays.