Queensland Boulder Opal - Green, Purple, Orange Tone

From Tall Trees Studio
Solid piece of tri colour toned Queensland Boulder Opal on Ironstone.

Boulder opal forms within ironstone boulders, which are concretions of iron-rich sediments. The silica, a key component of opal, is released into the groundwater through the weathering of surrounding rocks, particularly sandstones and mudstones.
As groundwater moves through the rock, it carries the dissolved silica.
The silica-rich water then seeps into cracks and voids within the ironstone boulders.
Over time, the silica precipitates out of the water and forms the opal, often in thin veins or layers within the ironstone. The opal is typically found in association with the ironstone, which acts as the host rock and provides a unique backing for the opal.

Measurements:
19.7mm long x 8.8mm wide x 4.53mm thick
5.5 Carats