Phenomenal Gems Archives - Black Opal Direct

Posted on 16/08/201718/08/2017 by Ruth BT

Campbell Bridges: Opal Explorer

Campbell Bridges is a world renowned geologist, explorer and gemologist. He discovered Tsavoritenand brought Tanzanite to the USA in the 1960s. One stone not synonymous with him is opal – until now. Campbell was born in Africa and spent much of his adult life as a geologist in Southern and Eastern Africa, in particular Kenya. When he discovered Tsavorite, a type of green garnet prized for its perfect green and superior sparkle, he was mining in Tanzania. A change in government saw all mines nationalised and he followed the geology until he got to Taita on the Kenyan side of the Tsavo region. By this time he was married and…

Posted on 04/08/201707/08/2017 by Ruth BT

World’s rarest opal video: Part 2

The rough and unpolished gem weighs a massive 568.69 carats and measures 95 x 59 x 25 mm. For more on the origin and story visit the Part 1 post. Next week we will reveal the equally amazing story of the opals provenance and the internationally renowned gem explorer who mined it. Stay tuned!

Posted on 31/07/201704/08/2017 by Ruth BT

The world’s rarest opal: Part 1

Its birthplace Indigenous songlines run through Wollumbin, (the “Cloud Catcher”) which are the remains of an ancient volcano. This towering peak, also called Mt Warning, has created a unique geology. Layers of volcanic ash were laid down in the miocene and subsequently weathered to create one of the richest and lushest regions of Australia with a magical and indefinable quality. Byron Bay sits on its coast and as the most eastern point, the sun touches Australia here first. This supercharged land is important geologically as well as the home to the rarest piece of opal in the world. The volcanic opal from Tintenbar The volcanic region of eastern Australia…