HPJ REFERENCE POINT: WORLD CLASS MASSIVE 61.60 CT WINTON BOULDER OPAL. R62,000.00

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A WEEKEND OF UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY FROM HPJ !

WORLD RARE MASSIVE 61.60 CARAT WINTON BOULDER OPAL (QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA)

As I am sure you have come to expect, another rarely seen gemstone brought to Bob by HPJ.

At 61.60 Carats, it is a massive specimen, and worthy of inclusion in the most discerning of gem collections.

Australian Boulder opals are the second most valuable type of opal (following Black Opal). Boulder opals are easily distinguished by their layer of solid brown ironstone left on the back of the stone. Boulder opals, as the name suggests, are mined from large ironstone boulders under the ground. Thin veins of colourful opal forms in cracks and fissures in these boulders. Because these veins of colour are so thin, opal cutters need to leave the ironstone on the back of the opal to form a full sized stone.

Due to the thinness of the opal veins that form in the ironstone boulders, it is often impossible to cut domed cabochons in most boulder opal stones. The stones are therefore usually cut into free form, irregular shapes to maximize the size of the stone and minimize the loss of opal.

Boulder opals are found only in the state of Queensland, Australia. Major opal fields in this area include Quilpie and Winton. The specimen on auction here is from Winton.

Hillcrest Precious Jewels

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