Auction #317413

QUALITY FAIRY OPAL CABOCHONS CALIBRATED 11x9mm RECTANGLE

Item Information

Dimensions (mm)	11 x 9 x 4mm
Weight (carats)	15 carats
Colors

CODE: CFO/

AAA QUALITY FAIRY OPAL MATRIX

CALIBRATED SIZES

Type: ENHANCED NATURAL OPAL SANDSTONE MATRIX (Fairy Opal)
Origin: QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
Carat Weight: 15.20

Size: 11 x 9 x 3.5 mm

Cut / Shape : Cabochon / Rectangle

Color: Multi colours

Treatment: Enhancement by carbonising

Description: AAA Grade Quality opal in sandstone matrix Sparkling Multicolour Gem Flecks throughout the stone.

Quality Cut and Fine Finish.

Also known as Fairy Opal matrix, Rainbow Opal matrix, Mass Opal, confetti and Black Paradise Opal Matrix.

...............................................................................................................................................................................

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 host sandstone gives a greater contrast thus the visability of the precious opal colors is greater. Once treated some stones have the appearance of top gem quality black opal particularly the ones with distinct patterns. they are also similar in appearance to Honduran (basalt) matrix and gem Andamooka (concrete) matrix, Even Nicer!

How is sandstone opal matrix treated?

The treatment is done by cooking the stone in sugar, the sugar is carbonized giving the host stone a darker or black background, only the matrix is carbonised not the precious opal it is then stabilized with inert chemical product this also strengthens the stone up to ten times. The sandstone absorbs the treatmeant all the way through, so re-cutting a stone is not a problem, unlike with other treated opal matrix, 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.