10/05/2026
This weeks gem is a truly incredible phenomenon. A fossilized opal is a rare type of fossil where the original bone, shell, or wood of an ancient organism has been completely replaced or encased by opal over millions of years. Unlike standard fossils that turn to ordinary stone, these specimens retain the exact shape and fine details of prehistoric life while sparkling with a gemstone’s vibrant, rainbow-like play-of-color. Millions of years ago (such as during the Cretaceous period), areas like the interior of Australia were covered by shallow inland seas. Organic remains like seashells, pinecones, wood, or dinosaur bones became buried in acidic, silica-rich sediments associated with volcanic activity. As ground water dissolved silica and carried it through the sediment, it filled empty cavities or slowly replaced the organic material cell-by-cell with micro-spheres of silica gel. Over long spans of time, this silica hardened into precious or common opal, creating a gemstone replica of the ancient life form. Opalized clam shells, snail shells, and squid-like belemnites are frequently unearthed in places like Coober Pedy in South Australia. Rare fragments of dinosaur bones, teeth, and reptile skulls are discovered at Lightning Ridge in New South Wales. Opalized wood and the famous, highly rare “opal pineapples” *middle bottom row* are found in regions like White Cliffs. If you are lucky enough to own one, please bring it by! We would love to see one in person! We are open 9:00am-5:30pm Tuesday - Saturday! ✨
