Opal after Clam
sold- Locality
- Coober Pedy, South Australia, Australia
- Minerals
- Opal
- Dimensions
- 4.2 x 3.3 x 1.2 cm
- Size class
- Miniature
- SID
- AU368
Precious Opal that has replaced a fossil clam shell from the famous Coober Pedy opal fields in Australia. Most of these are uniform in shape and polished smooth, looking more like Opal that has filled casts after fossil clams. This one retains all the features of the clam including the hinge area and the back shows all the ridges and striations of the former shell surface. The top side is lightly polished and shows bright reds, greens, gold, and purple colorization. I purchased this one from a jewelry store in Chinatown, San Francisco about 25 years ago from the owner who was reluctant to sell. This is a rare, complete specimen translucent when backlit.