V.RARE ETHIOPIAN SHEWA PINK OPAL SPECIMEN~RIBBON FIRE~11.5CT

DESCRIPTION: Very rare Ethiopian Shewa pink opal specimen with brilliant neon ribbon fire. The pink shewas are getting harder to find as most of the quality pieces are already in private collections. One look at this opal and you know why.

WEIGHT: 11.5 ct

SIZE: 24x18x11mm (6mm=1/4 inch)

TYPE: Ethiopian Pink Shewa Opal

SHAPE:Rough

COLOR: Multi-color brilliant crisp neon ribbon pattern with 5/5 brightness

BODY CLARITY: Opaque pink

COMMENT: Very rare collectible rough specimen opal at a bargain price of only $300 per carat.

Ethiopia Chocolate,Pink and Crystal Shewa Province Nodule Opal

These opals are found at Yita Ridge, in the Menz Gishe District of Shewa Province, around 150 miles northeast of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The opal field lies around 12 miles north of Mezezo and extends for several square kilometers along the northern side of the Yita Ridge. The opals are found in a nodular form within a continuous layer of welded volcanic ash (tuff, similar to obsidian in character), about 3 metres thick, that lies between weathered rhyolite layers. The nodules are very numerous though the percentage of gem precious opal is quite small. Figures in 1995 estimated that around 15% of the opal recovered was gem quality, and around 1% shows distinct play of colour. It should be noted that most of the nodules do show internal fractures and crazing and that this is standard with this type of opal in the trade. In our opinion, they do little to detract from the rare beauty or investment value of this opal. Some nodules have been cut and show no fractures at all...crack free cabochons are not out of reach and are a sight to behold. There's a very small percentage that contain precious opal and the most coveted of these nodules have center opal showing brilliant neon colors across the spectrum. Truly "World Class"!!! These opals are a must have for any collector as a specimen or can even be set in jewelry if you dare. The photographs will never do these opals justice. To hold one in your hand is to understand just how amazing they are.

PHOTOGRAPHY

All photographs show the best highlights of each particular opal. Photos are taken either outdoors or indoors and are taken with the intent of depicting true color and detail under optimal conditions. I do not use photo enhancement programs or special lenses. All photographs of the Ethiopian hydrophane opals are taken dry as to give a true depiction of what the opal actually looks like. Hydrophane opals can become dramatically enhanced when fully soaked and can give a false impression as to the finished product. Non hydrophane opals will at times be shown wet if in the rough or rubbed state as to show the color of the opal with a pseudo-polish.

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