Spectacular Opalized Wood Specimen
FROM OUR PRIVATE COLLECTION, we begrudgingly offer a partial branch that has been completely opalized on one side, giving it a firework display of every color you can imagine. Although not inexpensive, it's simple spectacular. Anyone collecting specimens along this line of material would be proud to have this piece displayed. Included is a small display case holder, allowing one to position the specimen perfectly for easy viewing.
A gem.
Measurements: ~ 3-1/8 tall x 1-¼" wide x ¾" thick
Location: Virgin Valley, Bonanza Opal Mine, Nevada
Time Period: Miocene, ~14 MYO
Opalized Wood is a type of petrified wood that is composed of opal rather than chalcedony or other minerals. It almost always consists of common opal, but in rare instances, petrified wood composed of colorful, precious opal is formed. The ancient forests of Virgin Valley, Nevada were covered by volcanic ashfall over 14 million years ago. Over time, dissolved silica moved by abundant groundwater, filled the cavities of woody stumps, limbs & branches – forming brilliant opal deposits. Today this rugged and remote region of southeastern Nevada is prized for these beautiful and rare opalized specimens.