AUSTRALIAN MADE
This is a large natural Australian Wood Replacement Opal Rough Specimen from Queensland, Australia.
There are areas of translucent purple, and opaque tan opal, with bright flashes of gold, orange, yellow and green.
Approximate dimensions are 51x38x34mm. Total weight is 113g.
Only found in Western Queensland, Boulder Opal formed millions of years ago in seams within ironstone or sandstone boulders where silica rich water seeped down into cracks and crevices and over time formed opal. Only a rare few will exhibit the amazing patterns and vibrant colours associated with this type of opal.
In the case of Wood Replacement Opal, the spaces where plant matter has broken down has been replaced, over a very long period of time, by opal. You can often see the form of stems or other traces of vegetation visible within the stone.
Photographs have been taken when wet, in various lighting conditions and have not been enhanced in any way.
