Mintabie Old Field - Bright seam opal mined in the early 1980's. Very rare, with valuable bright red. There is a natural heart shape, in the middle of the stone. This could be kept as is, for an investment. This could also be kept as a specimen or even cut, as a large gem for high end jewellery. It weighs a huge 155 carats or 31 grams.
It measures 47 x 39 x 15mm. These pieces are tightly held and not readily offered, at this size. A very rare and unique opportunity awaits the buyer. It has been roughly rubbed back to expose the colours. It is shown wet and dry, also in low and bright light.
There are no inclusions, cracks or sand inside, visible with a laser light and visual inspection, through a gem loupe. It looks to be a clean stone and is very stable, having been mined over 40 years ago, this material is known for stability and cutting well.
Shown dry under LED light. One video is shown dry. One video is shown wet, to simulate the brightness, if polished. Neither the videos and or photos have been edited, colour matched and adjusted for brightness, to ensure the gem is represented as accurately as possible.
Australian opal is non hydrophanic, meaning it does not absorb water like Ethiopian, so is not prone to cracking or drying out. This field in particular has cut some of the most amazing gems, that rival Lightning Ridge gems, in New South Wales.
