Is Andamooka Opal valuable?
Types and value of Opal The valuable highest grade of what is known as gem or precious opal found at Andamooka contains brilliant colours and is considered to be of the highest international standard.
Is Andamooka Opal rare?
Andamooka opal is a very hard type of opal from Australia and is found in seam form. It is rare to see large pieces like this anymore.
What is Andamooka matrix opal?
The Andamooka matrix opal can be found only in the South Australia region. This particular kind of opal presents a porous host-rock. This host-rock is composed by a conglomerate of sand and small grains of precious opal. This deposit darkens the matrix and allows the play of colours of the opal to stand out.
What is the spiritual meaning of opals?
Opal is an emotional stone and reflects the mood of the wearer. It intensifies emotions and releases inhibitions. Encourages both freedom and independence. Opal enhances cosmic consciousness and induces psychic and mystical visions. Wearing Opal brings loyalty, faithfulness and spontaneity.
Where is Andamooka Opal from?
South Australia
Andamooka Opal Treatment Matrix Opal is a permeable opal, which originates from Andamooka, South Australia.
Where does Andamooka Opal come from?
Almost all treatable matrix opal comes from the Andamoolza opal fields in South Australia. For almost 40 years, Andamooka matrix opal has been color enhanced by sugar-acid treatment of the prepolished matrix opal.
Do opals bring good luck?
Opals. Throughout much of history, opals were actually believed to be good luck. The Romans thought that opals were one of the luckiest gemstones and a symbol of hope. In the Middle Ages, opals were believed to be bestowed with all the positive properties of coloured gemstones due to its rainbow-like play of colour.
Where does the name Andamooka Opal come from?
It has generated some of the most attractive pieces or sets of opal such as “The Andamooka Matrix Opal”, which is also referred as “The Queen’s Opal” mentioned above. The word Andamooka is derived from an Aboriginal name, meaning ‘Large Waterhole’.
How many carats are in Andamooka matrix opal?
The final Opal weighed 203 carats. Discovered during 1930, Andamooka is considered a one of Australia’s most prominent opal fields. It has generated some of the most attractive pieces or sets of opal such as “The Andamooka Matrix Opal”, which is also referred as “The Queen’s Opal” mentioned above.
What kind of treatment is used for Andamooka Opal?
This treatment involves a chemical treatment that is applied to the entire stone. When it comes out of the earth, it can look quite pasty, but by treating it by means of a carbon dye method it ultimately looks like a more appealing Opal. Once it is totally treated, it is known as Andamooka treated matrix opal.
Where was the first opal found in Australia?
In South Australia Opal was first discovered at Andamooka during the 1930’s. The first Andamooka Opal was discovered by Sam Brookes and Roy Sheppard. Caught in a thunderstorm they sheltered under a tree when a pretty rock caught the corner of their eye.