35 carat boulder opal from the Yaraka Opal Mine of Australia. Measures 37 x 19 x 7mm

Boulder opal is comprised of opal material found in small deposits in ironstone. Mining this unique stone requires a sharp eye to seek out the ribbons of rainbow in the desert rock formations. Boulder opal is found primarily in the desert outback of Queensland, Australia, in cracks, crevices and cavities. Silica from dissolved sand trickled down cracks and crevices in ironstone boulders and the silica precipitated out of this solution to form these radiant colors. Generally, the opal is found within boulders which need to be broken open. These are found in clay layers just above the ironstone, and sometimes tons of rock must be hand-processed to find a few precious stones.

The stonecutter has to be particularly skilled to showcase the vivid colors, and the ripples of brown and gray that you see in this stone are ironstone that the opal formed in.

Accent gem is an indigo diamond raw edge slice weighing 1.16ct and measuring 10mm

Chain is hand dapped, sterling silver, textured link with push clasp closure. Total necklace length 20"

Designed by Sarah J Christenson 2021