superb Hyalite Opal (fluorescent)

Item Description

This exemplary and large small cabinet specimen has a huge, 8 cm Opal flower (almost a bouquet in and of itself) that extends nearly the entire length of the matrix. The globular, Hyalite Opal (the more common, historical name) is water-clear, highly lustrous, and pristine. Hyalite Opal is known for its superb fluorescence, and this does not disappoint. Opal-AN (what most of us collectors still call Hyalite Opal despite a reclassification by the academics) occurs in volcanic environments where the silica was deposited at elevated temperatures, and it is known for its unique, simple beauty, and also its rich, lime-green fluorescence. Really quite an excellent specimen in person, it has sparkle, depth, and dimensionality to it. This is a stunning example in both visual and ultraviolet light, and sparkles! Valued $1500-plus. From our special collection sale, direct to auction, of choice material from the collection of Richard Rossi, East Coast collector and Mineralogical Record Fellow.