Greetings all! I'm hoping someone might be able to assist a neophyte with some information regarding what I believe is a rather substantial Black Opal. I've recently inherited this stone and am wondering if anyone can give any feedback regarding the size and quality of the stone? I am also wondering how I should go about having the stone evaluated and appraised, I'm in the southern California area. Might anyone have any recommendations? Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Joined: Fri Feb 24, 2006 1:20 am Posts: 2756 Location: Southern California, U.S.A.
I don't like to bear unhappy news, especially when judging from an image, but the obvious porous surface texture and overall appearance cause me to think your stone is a very nice example of treated opal matrix from Andamooka, not a true black opal. I've personally cut and treated a fair amount of the material so I know very well what it looks like. The matrix stones have a value but it's not in the same ballpark as blacks from Lighting Ridge.
Since you're in Southern California I'd recommend you contact someone at the American Opal Society to locate a professional who can definitely identify and value your stone. I suggest you write a brief inquiry to the webmaster who can probably help you. http://opalsociety.org/
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