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Ces millions d'histoires racontées par les minéraux, présentées par {name}


Georgia Foteinou

Description:
If the colours of a distant galaxy were condensed into a single geological form, they would manifest exactly like this extraordinary Koroit Galaxy Opal in Lace.

This is not merely a boulder opal. It is a precious opal where ironstone and silica have collaborated to create something that feels almost cosmic in scale. Within its naturally preserved host, vibrant windows of opal ignite with electric green, neon flashes, deep oceanic blue and rare accents of crimson, suspended like constellations across a darkened sky.

The composition is organic yet deliberate. Veins of opal flow through the ironstone matrix in lace like formations, creating layered movement rather than isolated colour patches. The upper section reveals a translucent blue body tone that carries subtle internal luminosity, while the lower fire band erupts into intense green dominance with secondary yellow and red sparks that appear and disappear as the angle shifts.

This behaviour defines its Galaxy classification. The play of colour is not linear nor uniform. It is multidirectional, scattered, and dynamic, resembling stellar clusters dispersed across space. Light does not merely reflect from the surface but activates the internal silica sphere structure, producing depth and chromatic vibration rather than flat brightness.

Unlike solid black opals where matrix is absent, Koroit opal celebrates contrast. The ironstone host is not a background but an architectural frame. It intensifies saturation, sharpens visual boundaries and provides geological authenticity. The lace pattern visible here is particularly desirable, as it follows natural fracture systems that filled slowly with silica rich solutions millions of years ago.

Koroit, Queensland, is globally recognised for producing some of the most artistic and structurally complex boulder opals. Each piece is geologically unique, but examples with this level of green dominance, balanced blue body tone and scattered red inclusions are significantly more sought after.

This specimen does not rely on size for impact. Its power lies in contrast, fire concentration, matrix harmony and the unmistakable galaxy like dispersion of colour.

Specifications:
• Pattern: Galaxy pattern inlays within natural ironstone matrix
• Colours present: Electric green, neon chartreuse, deep blue, turquoise, flashes of violet and subtle ember red
• Weight: 2.42 g
• Weight in carats: 12.10 ct
• Dimensions: 23 × 15 × 8 mm
• Origin: Koroit Opal Field, Queensland, Australia
• Material: Natural Koroit Boulder Opal with preserved host ironstone
• Opal type: Precious opal
• Opal variety: Koroit Boulder Opal – Galaxy Inlays
• Host rock: Ferruginous ironstone
• Optical behaviour: Strong play of colour with directional activation under frontal light
• Transparency: Semi transparent to opaque within colour fields
• Lustre: Vitreous on exposed opal surfaces, earthy matte on matrix
• Treatment: None detected, natural and untreated
• Form: Naturally preserved boulder opal cabochon with organic inlay windows

Notable Points:
• Galaxy style chromatic dispersion
The colour distribution resembles scattered stellar clusters rather than uniform fire bands, creating depth and movement.
• Dominant electric green fire
Highly saturated neon green is the most valued chromatic expression in Koroit material and is strongly present here.
• Presence of red flashes
Red is statistically less common in many boulder opals and increases desirability when naturally occurring within the matrix.
• Blue translucent body tone
The upper opal zone carries a deep oceanic blue that enhances contrast and optical layering.
• Lace vein architecture
The opal follows natural fracture systems in a flowing lace pattern rather than isolated pockets.
• Strong matrix contrast
Ironstone framing intensifies perceived saturation and provides structural stability.
• Stable and clean polish
Surface integrity allows full activation of play of colour under direct light.
• Fully natural geological structure
No reconstruction, no composite layering, preserving authenticity.

Collector’s Interest:
Koroit opals occupy a distinct position within the opal hierarchy. Unlike solid black opals that prioritise uninterrupted body tone, Koroit specimens are prized for artistic matrix integration and geological storytelling.

Galaxy classified examples with electric green dominance and visible red accents are increasingly appreciated by advanced collectors. The combination of lace formation, strong contrast and multidirectional play of colour elevates this piece beyond decorative appeal into serious collector territory.

Its origin in Queensland further strengthens market desirability, as Australian boulder opals remain the global benchmark for natural opal authenticity and stability.

Lapidary Potential:
Although already shaped in a refined cabochon style, this opal is exceptionally suited for high end jewellery applications.

An open backed pendant would allow maximum light interaction, enhancing its galaxy like fire behaviour. A refined bezel in yellow or rose gold would amplify the green dominance, while a darker setting could intensify contrast and depth.

Minimal intervention is recommended, as the existing balance between matrix and opal defines its visual identity. Its strongest value lies in preservation rather than reshaping.

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**Complimentary Specimens**
As a gesture of appreciation, winning lots with a final hammer price above €50 will include one small additional mineral offered entirely free of charge.

Shipping and Handling:
All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post.
• Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki
• Transit time with CTT service: between 5 to 7 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post.
• A tracking number is always provided

Photography and transparency:
All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible.
No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied.
The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal.
The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions.

Identification and ethics:
All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin.
Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature.

Customs and import taxes:
Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder.
These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities.

Guarantee and resolution:
Customer satisfaction is important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system.
Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified.

Appreciation and commitment:
We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest.
Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels.

With gratitude,
GemPulse Minerals 

Koroit, Queensland, Australie

Impressionnant et cosmique KOROIT OPAL • 12,10 ct • Incrustations iridescentes Galaxy et qualité gemme - Hauteur : 23 mm - Largeur : 15 mm- 2.42 g - (1)

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Impressionnant et cosmique KOROIT OPAL • 12,10 ct • Incrustations iridescentes Galaxy et qualité gemme - Hauteur : 23 mm - Largeur : 15 mm- 2.42 g - (1)

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