QUALITY SANDSTONE FAIRY OPAL MATRIX BUTTON BEAD 21mm 12.8 CT
About this Auction |
About this Seller: OpalBeads |
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| Minimum Bid (USD) | 15.00 | Feedback Rating | 99.44% Positive |
| Current Bid (USD) | 15.00 | Member Since | 19 Jan 2009 in Australia |
| Bid Increment (USD) | 1.00 |
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| Bids Placed | 1 jump to bid history | ||
| Starting Bid (USD) | 15.00 | ||
| Reserve Price (USD) | none | ||
| Starts | February 12, 2010 5:10 AM | Basic Shipping Information | |
| Ends | February 13, 2010 5:05 AM | Shipping Cost | 4.00 paid by buyer |
| Auction Category | Opal Beads | Optional Shipping Insurance within Australia (USD) | 7.00 |
| Auction ID | 158652 | Optional Shipping Insurance rest of world (USD) | 7.00 |
This auction has closed |
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Description
AAA QUALITY OPAL MATRIX BEADS
Type: TREATED SOLID NATURAL SANDSTONE OPAL MATRIX (Fairy Opal)
Origin: QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
Carat Weight: 12.82
Number of Items: 1
Bead Size: 21 x 4.4 mm (3.5mm drill hole)
Cut / Shape : Smooth Bezeled Button
Color: GREEN
Clarity: Opaque
Treatments: Enhancement by carbonising
Description: AAA Grade Quality opal in sandstone matrix also known as Fairy Opal Matrix, Rainbow Opal Matrix, Mass Opal.
Brilliant sparkle of electric green gem flecks.
Quality cut with a fine finish.
What is Sandstone Opal Matrix?
Naturaly formed sandstone opal matrix is Precious Opal flecks dispersed throughout an earthy orange ferruginous sandstone.
Why is sandstone opal matrix treated?
By enhancing the background matrix will give a greater contrast thus the visability of the precious opal colors is greater and stabilizing the sandstone also strengthens the stone by up to x10.Once enhanced some stones have the appearance of top gem quality black opal particularly the ones with interesting and unique patterns. they are also similar in appearance to Honduran (basalt) matrix and gem Andamooka (concrete) matrix, even nicer.
So, if you would like a piece of opal that looks like a million for a fraction of the cost try these - you will be pleasantly amazed!!!
How is sandstone opal matrix treated?
The treatment is done by cooking the stone in sugar, thus the sugar is carbonized giving the stone a darker or black background, only the matrix is carbonised. the sandstone absorbs the treatmeant all the way through, not the precious opal, so re-cutting a stone is not a problem you do not have to treat it again after cutting.
The opal matrix listed here is superior quality to most we have seen to date. It is a more compacted sandstone type and the flecks of precious opal are more concentrated. It takes a polish/ finish much better than the very porous types.
Sandstone opal matrix is not that new as a discovery it has been around for as long as boulder opal. However, there are not many finished stones available because it is quite a tricky and tedious procedure to arrive at a quality finished product. We have now perfected this process and can offer a Quality finished product.
Bidding History
| Member | Bid | Time & Date |
| EasternTradeWinds | 15.00 | February 12, 2010 3:34:28 PM |
About This Seller
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WORLDWIDE SHIPPING: $4
**BULK SHIPPING DISCOUNT AVAILABLE**
$10 SHIPPING FEE per 5 ITEMS, WITHIN A 5 DAY PERIOD from end of first win. $3 shipping only for items in $1NR category.
POSTAL INSURANCE OPTIONAL: $7 for the first $100 value and $2 per $100 value thereafter.
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Payment Options
OpalBeads, 13 Feb:
Automated Message: You won item 158652 for 15.00