Opalized Wood, Australia (From our Private Collection)
A partially polished, palm sized chunk of petrified and opalized wood from Australia. The polished portion shows an array of ultraviolet purple and blue with incredible depth and flash. We have had this specimen in our private collection for quite some time, and are just now releasing it for sale! Enjoy.
Measurements: ~3-1/2" long x 2-1/4" wide x 1-1/2" deep
Location: Queensland, Australia
Opal is composed of hydrated silica. It is an amorphous silicate, meaning it does not form crystals. Opals are structurally composed of tiny spheres of silica, which when arranged in perfect geometry create the famous play of color associated with the stones. The arrangement of silica balls acts like a prism, which allows the rainbow spectrum of colors to be visible to the naked eye. Opal has been a stone of myth and mysticism for thousands of years. It was once worn for protection against sorcery and to enhance a person’s magical qualities. The idea that Opals are unlucky came about in 1829 after the publication of Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott’s book Anne of Geierstein. In the novel, an Opal amulet signifies the downfall of the heroine, and this act of literature negatively affected the entire Opal industry for generations.
Koroit Opal from is a mining area in Queensland, Australia. The mine was discovered in 1897 and popularitiy of mining Koroit Opal began around 1972.