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Opal Replacement Of Clam Fossil
This sparkling, iridescent fossil shell (a pelecypod) is 5.2 cm tall and is translucent when backlit, with a colorful surface opalization showing the play of colors. 26 grams in mass. It is exceptional for these fossil shells in its size and surface coverage. And, it shows excellent 3-dimensional shape and preservation of the original shell. It is lightly polished on both sides. 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.
Unknown Owner
Product details
Species
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions5.2 x 3.1 x 1.9 cm
Locality
Bulldog Shale, Coober Pedy, South Australia, Australia
Added on10/23/2024
Comments
Known provenance
2024/08
Unknown Owner
Not disclosed—Species and Locality Wiki Pages
Collectors of Opal
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