3.41ct - "RARE"Natural AUSTRALIAN LIGHTNING RIDGE OPAL That Ticks All Boxes 

MAKE AN AWESOME RING OR PENDANT

Opal is a gem-quality form of hydrated amorphous silicon dioxide. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word for 'stone'. It is gemologically classed as a mineraloid rather than a mineral, owing to its amorphous form. Opal is considered to be the national gemstone for Australia, owing to the fact that Australia produces roughly 97% of the world's entire supply of opal gemstones. Opals can be divided into three main subgroups: precious opal, fire opal and common opal (potch).

Opal is famed for its ability to diffract light. The exact cause of opal's unique properties was only recently discovered by Australian scientists in the 1960s after analysis with electron microscopes. It was discovered that small spheres of silica gel caused interference, refraction and diffraction of light, resulting in opal's distinctive play of color. The varying refractive indices of the spheres and spaces between them dissect the light on its passage through the stone. As light enters the opal, it bends around the tiny particles or 'spheres' of hydrated silica, as well as 'chips' of silicon and oxygen suspended within the stone. Light is comprised of all visible colors and can produce an entire spectrum of colors when it is diffracted.

Precious opal is known for its remarkable ability to diffract light, which results in rainbow-like colors that change with the angle of observation - known as 'play of color'. Fire opal can sometimes exhibit slight color play, but it is better known for its vivid body color. Common opal is usually opaque, rarely translucent, and lacks play of color. It is often found mixed with other gemstones, such as agate opal or moss opal. Common opal is known to exhibit 'opalescence'. The term 'opalescence' is often mistaken for 'play of color'. Opalescence should technically only be used to describe the optical effects seen in common opal. Opalescence is caused by the reflection of light and appears as a sheen of light, typically milky-bluish in color. It is a form of adularescence, whereas 'play of color' is iridescence caused by light diffraction.

The most important deposits are located in Australia. Around 95 percent of the world's supply of white precious opals are mined "down under". Famous deposits in New South Wales are at Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs, in South Australia at Coober Pedy and Andamooka. Various deposits are also found in Queensland.

Other deposits are found in Brazil, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Russia and the United States (Idaho and Nevada).

   IMAGES TAKEN UNDER SPECIALIST OPAL LIGHTING

PICTURE IS ENLARGED 

 Gem Type:  DAZZLING GEM!!! 100% GENUINE REAL Natural Opal

Shape:  OVAL    

Quantity:  1

Total Weight:  3.41ct

Colour: GREEN, YELLOW, RED, ORANGE, GOLD, LIME GREEN PURPLE

COLOUR OF PLAY 

Clarity:  Translucent

Size:  14.16x9.07x5.65mm

Origin:  LIGHTNING AUSTRALIA

Hardness:  6.5 MOH'S SCALE