Opal-AN (Hyalite Opal) ("Blood Vessel Opal")

Item Description

We picked these specimens up in January of 2019, literally days after they were collected at a new mine in San Luis Potosi. These are some of the most attractive, unusual, interesting and impressive Hyalite Opals we've ever seen. We were happy to get these pieces from a good friend who has been mining this material exclusively for the past few years. This particular specimen is loaded with gemmy to translucent spherical groups or "balls" of Hyalite on a bit of white host rock matrix. What really stands out here is the intense glowing reddish-orange to golden color of the Opal, which is caused by small inclusions of iron oxide that resemble thin organic "capillaries" or "blood vessels", which led to the nickname "Blood Vessel Opal". It's truly unique for any species or variety of Opal from anywhere in the world. These specimens are incredibly limited, and you honestly can't find anything like on the market. A great thumbnail specimen for anybody who collects Mexican minerals or worldwide Opals. Weight on the specimen is 7.78 grams. It should be noted that the term "Hyalite" Opal is no longer valid, and the material is now called Opal-AN.