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Opal Strike
Appearing to entrap fire and light in a myriad of colours, Opal is renowned as Australia’s national gemstone.Between 65 and 140 million years ago (the Cretaceous Period) much of central Australia was an inland sea bearing sediments rich in silica. Over time this sea receded leaving the silica deposits and forming a region which is now mostly desert (the Great Artesian Basin). Changes to these sediments caused by heavy weathering approximately 30-40 million years ago allowed the silica to dissolve and seep into the crevices and cracks of the earth. This silica solution hardened to form what we now identify as opal. However not all opal formed has the majestic play of colour of Australia’s precious opal. All opal is unique, and the colours and patterns within each stone changing with angle and view. No two opals are exactly alike and it is their ever changing rolls and flashes of colour that make opal a truly fascinating and beautiful gem. Opal forms in three key regions around Australia- New south Wales, Queensland, and South Australia- and we provide the world with 95% of this gem. What better gift than an Australian precious opal ……………… |
