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Opal Replacement Of Belemnite Fossil
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Unknown Owner
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A true museum-quality display specimen: The stunning fossil shell is 7.4 cm long and is ALL made of gem quality opal of the highest grade and fire for this locality. It is 13 grams in mass, and has an intense, saturated color. The depth of gemminess, translucency, and color is rare for these fossils. Normally, the opalization is a surface effect. It is lightly polished on one side, and left natural and raw on the back. These very rare opal-replaced fossil shells were formed 135 million years ago and are unique to Australia. The supply at this famous locality, where the town of Coober Pedy is actually dug into the formation, has been exhausted as mining here is no longer profitable or commercially successful on any scale. These gem-quality specimens hold considerable value simply as opal for carving purposes and represent some of the cream of the crop assembled by a local collector during the 1960s-1980s mostly. Specimens of this quality are simply unavailable on the market. We are honored to present this private collection for the first time.
Product details
SpeciesOpal
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions7.4 x 1.4 x 1.3 cm
Added on10/23/2024
LocalityAustralia, South Australia
Known provenance
| Date | Collector | Acquisition price |
|---|---|---|
| 08/2024 | Unknown Owner | Not disclosed |
| — | The Arkenstone | Not disclosed |
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Mineral guide
Learn about Opal
amorphous silica with water and a spectacular play-of-color; black, boulder, and fire opal varieties capture brightness, color, and collecting appeal.Regional guide
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