Opale. Opal Butte, Oregon

Opal Butte is the other major American locality for gem opal suitable for use in carving and jewelry. Rarely does one find large enough chunks of nearly pure opal that are attractive enough throughout to serve as specimens, or decorative display pieces. The present specimen is transparent to translucent and has wonderful sunset shades of yellows, reds, and oranges. Much of the 447 grams weight is of carving quality.  Weighing 447 grams and measuring 4 x 4 x 2 ½in - Estimate: $5,000 - 6,000 - Unsold.  (Copyright © 2002-2008 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved)

Bonhams. Natural History, 22 Jun 2008. 220 San Bruno Street, San Francisco // 7601 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. www.bonhams.com