PIPI SHELL FOSSIL

LIGHTNING RIDGE AUSTRALIA

BLACK CRYSTAL WITH COLOUR

THE PC IS END TO END CRYSTAL

N1

UNTOUCHED TO KEEP THE FOSSIL VALUE

The sandstone at Lightning Ridge once formed the floor of an ancient shallow inland sea where plants, aquatic life and occasionally the bones and teeth of animals were preserved. As they tunnel through these sediments searching for precious opal, miners sometimes find these fossils.

These shells are fossils of the marine bivalve known as Plebidonax deltoides (commonly called the “pipi” or “pippy”), native to Australian coastal waters

-Origin-Lightning Ridge (ancient sea bed fossilized in sandstone)

Type--Pipi shell replaced or coated with opal (opalized fossil)

Appearance--Shell texture with opal iridescence—often black crystal or semi‐black

Sizes--Typically 9–30 carats, polished freeform

Value Drivers--Body tone (blackness), brightness, colour play pattern, size, condition

Price Range--From ~$60 USD for smaller pieces to ~$6,000+ for large N1-grade specimens

Note : Pictures are taken wet to show the colours

TRADING AS TRUEBLUEOPALS / LIGHTNINGOPALS LLC