Opal var. Hyalite on Smoky Quartz

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Although well-known for fluorescent Hyalite Opal (now termed Opal-AN), specimens from the Erongo Mountain area in Namibia are rarely what one would term 'display-worthy'. Usually, the Opal is poorly defined and colourless in daylight, but this small cabinet specimen is a delightful exception. With a cluster of sharp, terminated, slightly gemmy Smoky Quartz crystals, to 4.5 cm in length, forming the base upon which, a classic gelatinous resinous layer of pale sulphur yellow-green Hyalite Opal forms an extensive crust with just the tips of the Smoky Quartz crystals poking through to show what is underneath. The Quartz terminations are in good condition, with only very slight chipping to be seen, but it is the Hyalite that is the star of the show. Not only is the Hyalite extremely good for Erongo in daylight, but it is extremely vivid yellow-green under long wave UV light and has a strong yellow-green fluorescence under short wave UV light too. If you are looking for a specimen with an insane level of fluorescence then this one will certainly fit the bill. Ex Glyn Cunnick Collection.