This auction has ended. View lot details
You may also be interested in
Lot 8398
Opalized Clam Shell
4 December 2005, 11:00 PST
Los AngelesSold for US$1,175 inc. premium
Looking for a similar item?
Our Natural History specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistOpalized Clam Shell
Coober Pedy, Australia
Over 100 million years ago, most of the Australian continent was under water. Highly concentrated with silicate and other opal-producing minerals, the water frequently produced a phenomenon of opal replacement of fossil clams, fossil belemnites, etc. The present specimen is an opalized clam shell which has been smooth polished on one side to reveal an excellent play-of-fire with flashes of blue, green red and orange. The reverse side is equally interesting in that it shows the original surface texture of the clam shell. Weighing approximately 77.42 carats and measuring 36.0 x 28.0 x 18.0mm.
Over 100 million years ago, most of the Australian continent was under water. Highly concentrated with silicate and other opal-producing minerals, the water frequently produced a phenomenon of opal replacement of fossil clams, fossil belemnites, etc. The present specimen is an opalized clam shell which has been smooth polished on one side to reveal an excellent play-of-fire with flashes of blue, green red and orange. The reverse side is equally interesting in that it shows the original surface texture of the clam shell. Weighing approximately 77.42 carats and measuring 36.0 x 28.0 x 18.0mm.

