The world’s rarest opal: Part 1

Its birthplace

Mt Warning, Wollombin - the Cloud Catcher.
Mt Warning – named by Captain Cook to warn future mariners of the treacherous coastline around it.

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 created the most unusual of all Australian opals. Tintenbar crystal is volcanic and ethereal. The opal fire is soft and gem edges are water worn, indicating an alluvial nature. The pieces found are usually small under 10 carats. They are collectors oddities for the most part.

By contrast “The Eternal Flame” is so named for the fire which burns bright within.  A large piece of black crystal opal it rivals the best of any found on the fields of Lightning Ridge. Stored dry in a vault, forgotten for over 40 years, the opal remains in pristine condition with no water wear. Opal experts including us have never seen anything like it and could not conceive of such an opal existing.

 

The Eternal Flame – The World’s Rarest Opal

A mammoth 568 carats “The Eternal Flame” is the largest and most significant black crystal ever found. What makes it even rarer is its origin. The volcanic soils of coastal New South Wales, Australia are replete with bands of obsidian and quartz but only small finds of volcanic opal – nothing like the great inland fields of Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy and Queensland.

Full of fire and wonder it glows like a prehistoric magic flame and harks back to a time when the earth was undergoing massive geological upheaval. The colour is unflinching and majestic, daring you to find an inferior angle. It holds a power that is bewitching. How could something as beautiful as this be created?

Eternal flame world's rarest opal

What do you think?

 

 

63 thoughts on “The world’s rarest opal: Part 1”

  1. Can only say … incredible! The biggest decision would have to be which parts of it to sacrifice if you ever wanted to cut it. Well worth a video of it?

    Reply
  2. Thanks for sharing this. Can’t wait to see more. At 563 carats it must be a wonder to hold in your hand. Looking forward to the video.

    Reply
    • No Jason sorry it has be closed to mining for quite a few years now and doesn’t look like it will be accessible again. We don’t even know if there is any left in the ground.

      Reply
  3. it’s already flabbergasting as a picture, I’m.. pretty jealous that you kept it in your hands, hahaha. can’t wait for the video!

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  4. Wicked beautiful… omg Justin, I have held some huge black crystal welos that are stunning at over 300cts but to have an Aussie crystal that size and of such beauty is once in a life time!! Good on you mate. Who is the owner?

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    • Can you tell us more about what is being mined at the moment. Ridgey? The spot where this stone was mined is no access anymore.

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  5. I love being able to see the conchoidal fractures, and how naturally clean and clear it is. I’d be tempted to give it to a master knapper with nerves of steel to make the world’s finest knife blade.

    Reply
  6. Oh my … I lift my hat and bow and bow deeper and deeper.
    And when I saw that it weights 568 ct … ( starting to breath deeper and deeper )
    I read that you will post a video soon … can’t really wait.
    Thanks for THE opal share of the year, no decade, no, century <3

    Reply

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