$1NR~XRARE "CELLULAR" FANCY RED DELTA OPAL fr. WELO,ETH~$1NR

About this item specifically~

This is a stunningly beautiful and truly ExoticOpal from the new locality near Welo, Ethiopia.  Not to be confused with the previous Mezezo locality in Ethiopia, Welo is producing a small quantity of extremely rare material with varied shades of brown to black-based opal.  Although this piece looks at first glance like much of the highly unstable brown opal that was mined in the Mezezo, Ethiopia, locality, it is totally different in formation and very stable. This piece has a semicrystal dark caramel-orange base that is slightly translucent and shows INTENSE RED metallic multicolor colorplay throughout.  This pattern is often being called "honeycomb" but technically, it is not a true honeycomb shape as it does not show the geometric hexagonal precision seen in healthy honeycombs.  As well, there is a fairly well-accepted pattern in Australian opal that is referred to as a "honeycomb harlequin" or "hexagonal harlequin" by previously published (and more literally appropriate) consensus.  That pattern shows a distinct hexagonal shape that is uniform and generally evenly spaced.  The GIA's previously published articles about Ethiopian opal refers to this specific phenomenon as simply, "cellular" with "columnar structures".   Since the pattern is generally dependent on the orientation of the face of the finished cab to the direction of the columnar structure, the cells can go from being rolling stripes of color to more uniform patches.  This variance depends on the way the specific stone is oriented for cutting and can be striking and attractively planned into a skillfully finished gem.  To avoid confusion and prevent the mistaking of the extremely rare and valuable "hexagonal harlequin" pattern from established vernacular with this often less-organized structure, ExoticOpal will refer to this pattern as simply, "cellular" in future.  The deep base color and semicrystal nature give this stone a very beautiful look overall and unlike the previous Mezezo opal, this material is quite stable.  ExoticOpal will replace this stone for 5 years if it cracks due to crazing.  This magnificent and artfully conceived delta cabochon was carefully hand-cut in our US lapidary from seasoned, dry rough that was selected for its stability and investment potential.  The gem is flawlessly finished to a very high standard and it shows the time and skill invested in cutting it quite obviously.  It has a very high-end look that will make a valuable finished piece of jewelry, as well as a great investment for collectors.  The opal weighs about .88 carats and measures about 7.2mm x 7mm x 3mm aprx.  This ExoticOpal is being offered at just $1 to start with no reserve for just 5 days~ 

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