There is an endless bounty of eye-catching gemstones throughout the world and this spectacular boulder opal is one unique beauty that looks like a shimmering crystal encased in a tree fossil. Its opalescent sheen seeps through the cracks of the seemingly wooden rings in lustrous hues of emerald green and aqua blue. Like something out of a fairy tale, the triangular piece radiates through an organic pattern mimicking the growth rings of tree.
Though there is some confusion as to whether the piece is an opalized piece of petrified wood or a concretion of ironstone, it is clear that the the magnificent gemstone with its eye-catching concentric circles originated in Australia. The beautiful stone, which was at one point going for an asking price of $2,350, was sold earlier this year (in June 2013) through Planet Opal's Etsy shop. Before the owner and gem cutter sold his piece, he took a video of the opal in light, which can be viewed, below.
If you're interested in seeing more opals, be sure to check out the opal butte crystal that looks like a handheld aquarium and the fire opal that looks like a blazing sunset in the clouds.
via [reddit]
