Ethiopian crystal opal – exceptional harlequin color play with intense red

This extraordinary natural Ethiopian crystal opal specimen impresses with exceptionally intense and highly varied play-of-color, strikingly visible in both views. The translucent to partially transparent opal body has a warm, slightly honey-colored to greenish-gray base color and is threaded with spectacular flashes of color. Particularly prominent are vivid shades of green, red, orange, blue, and turquoise, appearing in numerous small, clearly defined flashes of color that move across the surface. The intense red and orange are especially fiery, creating an exceptionally strong contrast with the vivid green, while blue and turquoise reflections give the stone added depth. Also characteristic is the preserved natural matrix, or host rock, which partially surrounds the opal and thus preserves the specimen’s original character. The polished areas display remarkable depth and a strong luster, making the play-of-color seem to glow from within the opal. Its appearance changes significantly depending on the lighting and viewing angle: while broad areas of green-orange and red fire dominate on one side, another view reveals a particularly dense mosaic of red, green, and blue points of color. This changing distribution of color is precisely what makes the piece so interesting, with new details continually emerging from different angles. Its natural, irregular shape, partially preserved matrix, and intense color combine to create a highly distinctive collector’s piece with considerable decorative appeal. Particularly noteworthy is the wide range of colors within a single stone: vivid neon green, electric blue, bright turquoise, intense fiery red, orange, and golden-yellow reflections appear together to create an exceptionally lively play-of-color. A fascinating natural Ethiopian crystal opal specimen that stands out both for its natural history and its visual impact, and is especially appealing to collectors who appreciate exceptional opals with strong, multicolored fire and preserved natural matrix. Weight: 99.40 ct Size: 34.1 x 29.4 x 21.3 mm Treatment: Untreated Origin: Ethiopia Color: Play Of Color Gem Type: Natural Opal Shape: Irregular The pictures were taken with strong light and table lamps. It is a fantastic piece of opal. Our shipping costs have been reviewed and approved by Catawiki. We work with an external shipping company that carries out the final inspection, collection, packaging, and shipping; this is why these shipping costs apply. The buyer is responsible for any import and export charges, customs fees, shipping costs, etc. See our other items as well and save on shipping and collection costs. In some of the pictures, the stone has been backlit to show you its color. For some stones, we have held a light beneath them to show the colors of the pieces more clearly. This may result in color variations, etc., as every computer, monitor, and mobile phone MAY display colors differently.

Estimate:£166.85

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