Crystals and gems are revered and collected for their physical beauty and monetary value and this Opal Butte crystal with contra luz color is no exception. The stunning gemstone, like many opals, features a varied spectrum of colors, but what separates it from the others is its spectacular visual effect. It looks like an underwater view of the ocean floor as light shines through it. There's a surreal quality about the gemstone that looks like a pocket-sized aquarium.
This particular crystal, whose image is shared by opal retail and auctioning site Inna Gem, is a very rare Oregon opal shown in its dry state. Opals are known to change color and opacity, depending on whether they are wet or dry. When soaked in water, the base color of an opal can become extremely clear, though this is bound to change in a few weeks' time as it dries out. Thus, the images presented are of the crystal in its dry state for viewers to get an idea of what it will really look like without any future surprises. The seller says, “This material has hydrophane properties and can be greatly enhanced when soaked in water, but I don't believe that accurately portrays the opal being offered.”
via [reddit]
