Opal
Unknown Owner
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This is complete and perfect all around! When I bought this, I was amazed at the surrealistic, artistic form of the piece. It is complete all around and looks like nothing I have seen in nature. In fact, I was so unsure of it that I emailed Bolivian expert and dealer Alfredo Petrov. This information following is from him, reprinted with thanks: Huanuni used to have enormous cassiterite-pyrite veins traversing shale/hornfels country rock. The pyrite decomposed, liberating H2SO4, the loose cassiterite collapsed to the floor of the veins forming meters-thick masses of pure cassiterite breccia, and leaving big caves in the top of the veins. The sulfuric acid attacked the surrounding shales... hence the opal stalactites and stalagmites in the caves. I sold this to Marty. The one I sold Marty was by far the best one I ever saw (most are more like wavy broken curtains on the walls rather than aesthetic stalactites). 8 x 3.8 x 3.3 cm
Product details
SpeciesOpal
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions8.0 x 3.8 x 3.3 cm
Added on10/23/2024
LocalityBolivia, Oruro (Department), Huanuni mine
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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