BOULDER OPAL
JUNDAH AUSTRALIA
WOOD REPLACEMENT OPAL

Opalised wood from Jundah, Queensland is a recognised and collectible Australian fossil–opal material. Here’s a clear, practical overview:

What it is

• Fossilised wood (often from ancient trees along river systems) where the original organic material has been replaced by opal over millions of years.

• Dates to the Cretaceous period (~95–110 million years ago).

Location significance

• Jundah, Central West Queensland, near the Eromanga Basin.

• Known for boulder opal and opalised fossils (wood, shells, bones).

• Material is less common than Coober Pedy opalised wood, which adds interest for collectors.

Appearance

• Often found in ironstone (boulder) matrix

• Can show:

  • Clear wood grain and growth rings

  • White, grey, honey, or brown opal

  • Occasionally play-of-colour (rarer but highly desirable)

• Texture ranges from solid opal replacement to partial opal infill

Value (very general guide, AUD)

• Small or partial pieces: $40–150

• Good structure with clear grain: $200–800

• Large, well-preserved or colourful specimens: $1,000+
  Value depends on:

• Size and completeness

• Presence of colour

• Structural integrity (cracks lower value)

• Provenance (confirmed Jundah origin helps)

Uses

• Collected as natural specimens

• Cut into cabochons or display slabs

• Used in museum or educational collections
  
  This is a piece of wood from Jundah that has been replaced with opal over a long period of time. It is ready to bet set into jewelery.