Opal Crystal - Height: 50 mm - Width: 40 mm- 41.7 g - (1)

Ethiopian rough opal – 208.70 ct – intense play of color – approx. 50 × 40 × 20 mm

Exceptionally large natural rough opal from Ethiopia weighing 208.70 carats (approx. 41.74 g) with dimensions of approx. 50 × 40 × 20 mm.

The specimen is in its natural, uncut state and already shows a pronounced and lively play of color as a rough opal.

Depending on the viewing angle and light incidence, intense greens, yellows, golds and turquoise tones appear, complemented by blue as well as occasional orange and reddish reflections. Particularly striking are the transparent to translucent opal areas in which the color play partly comes out clearly from the depth.

The still-present natural matrix or host rock forms a striking contrast to the transparent and color-rich opal portions. Matrix, inclusions, natural structures and irregularities are part of the rough piece and are well visible in the many close-up photos.

Details about the piece

Mineral: Natural opal / rough opal
Origin: Ethiopia
Weight: 208.70 ct / approx. 41.74 g
Dimensions: approx. 50 × 40 × 20 mm
Condition: Natural, uncut
Transparency: Partially transparent to translucent
Play of color: Green, yellow, gold, turquoise and blue, with individual orange to reddish reflections
Matrix: Clearly present natural matrix/host rock components

Special feature of Ethiopian opals – moisture and water absorption

Many Ethiopian opals, especially material from the Wollo/Welo region, can have hydrophane properties. Hydrophane opal can absorb water due to its porous structure and later release it again. This can cause changes in transparency, visual impression and color effect temporarily.

I have deliberately kept this rough opal moist so far and paid attention to avoid strong or abrupt drying. The buyer should consider that opal can be sensitive to large temperature and humidity fluctuations.

This describes the current storage of this specimen. It is not claimed that it must be stored underwater permanently.

Photography

All photos were taken under natural daylight.

The color play visible in the images arises from natural light incidence and changes accordingly with the viewing angle. The different shots show the same piece from different perspectives and are intended to provide as comprehensive an impression as possible of color, transparency, matrix and natural texture.

Due to its size of over 200 carats, the clearly visible color play and the interesting combination of transparent opal material and natural matrix, the piece is interesting both as a collector's specimen and as rough material for an experienced opal cutter.

With a natural rough opal, internal tensions, cracks, inclusions and matrix portions may be present. The actually workable opal portion and the yield from processing cannot be guaranteed.

The photos are part of the description. They show the offered rough opal and its natural state from different perspectives.