Opal Var. OPALISED FOSSIL BIVALVE - image 1

Opal Var. OPALISED FOSSIL BIVALVE

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It is not often that one gets the visual interpretation of both mineral and fossil together. True, bones are made up of Hydroxylapatite, but you can't really ever see the Apatite, even in fossilized bone. Not only is this majestic piece colourful and beautiful with its classic play of rainbow colours from the Precious Opal, but it displays the perfect form of the bivalve it has replaced. There will be those out there who can identify the exact species of bivalve, but form me just gazing in wonder at this remarkable replacement of fossil by mineral is enough. Boulder Opal, or Precious Opal is rare enough in good quality material, but Precious Opal bivalves are infinity rarer and much treasured. At 4.8 cm in length this is a really large and great display specimen of this amazing form of Precious Opal and in perfect condition.

Product details

SpeciesOpal
SizeMiniature
Dimensions2.5 x 4.8 x 1.9 cm
Added on08/23/2025
Current owner
Unknown Owner
Acquired
Jul 2026
Price paid
$12,500.00
Previous owners
DateCollectorAcquisition price
—Crystal ClassicsNot disclosed

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Opal
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.
Opal
Regional guide
Opal from South Australia
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Locality guide
South Australia
A collector's guide to South Australia, Australia: its geology, mining history and notable minerals, illustrated with the 164 specimens documented from this locality on EarthWonders.