VIRGIN VALLEY OPAL

This is a specimen of  wood replacement opal from Virgin Valley in Nevada USA.The area is known for its unusual fire play in wood ,limp casts and bark replacement.There is some opal attaached to this specimen.We have taken the photo wet.Great collectors item.

Weight 8.2 cts app

Size 20.4x14.2 x7.7 mm app

This opal is believed to be app 14 -15 million years old.The opal has a tendancy to craze when dried too fast as it contains up to 14 % water. We just know we lose most to drying  but a small percentage is stable. Some cutters store the opal in mineral oil for a year and change it every 3 months before cutting.

As with all our stock we offer a full refund provided it is not touched in any way.