What kind of pattern does this opal have?

[beaujolais]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260738691602&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

What kind of pattern does this opal have? Kinda cool. There is a video of it a bit further down on the page.

It is common or no?

Thanks, Sonoma

 

[LD]

I don't think the pattern has a name. The closest would be a ribbon pattern BUT you would typically see the ribbons parallel to each other and going right from one side to the other of the gem. So this looks like a stunted ribbon!

It's pretty and it has an interesting pattern but there is a bit too much body colour on show so it might be worth getting if you fancy having one but it's not a particularly valuable gem - more one to love and enjoy.

Hope that helps.

 

[movie zombie]

i'd call it "lazer lights"........would be a fun cab.

MoZo

 

[beaujolais]

Thanks LD ! That seems to be it.

So, I Googled opals and ribbon pattern and found some wonderful stones. Then, of course, I go back and look at the above e-bay econo-stone and well . . . ? Oh, who knows, I may still.

Here's a kind of interesting opal video I came across in my search - just putting this up for fun.

http://vodpod.com/watch/3035883-aaa-welo-ethiopia-faceted-ribbon-and-honey-comb-pattern-opal

 

[JewelFreak]

Spectacular presentation, Sonomacounty. You could call it a Northern Lights opal. Or maybe a Lava Lamp opal?

-- Laurie

 

[Largosmom]

Pretty cool...by the way, I read on another site (can't remember which), that some opals labeled as "Sudan" are actually Ethiopian Opal. Can you tell I'm a bit obsessed with that kind of opal?

Get it!

Laura

 

[Richard M.]

What kind of pattern does this opal have?

It's called the Searchlight Pattern. It's quite unusual. Opals with that type of "columnar" play of color haven't often been found. It's probably from Ethiopia, not Sudan.

Richard M. (Rick Martin)

 

[VapidLapid]

I call them Ethiopals

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

What kind of pattern does this opal have?

It's called the Searchlight Pattern. It's quite unusual. Opals with that type of "columnar" play of color haven't often been found. It's probably from Ethiopia, not Sudan.

Richard M. (Rick Martin)

See, now I think you better snap it up!
I think it's really cool, so unusual, and you will prob be happy with it!

 

[Largosmom]

VL...I like that! Ethiopials is perfect. Don't be surprised if the price goes up into the $100 a carat or more price range which is normal for these lovely stones. I promise I won't bid but I sure hope you get it and if so please post more photos!

Laura

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

Hey I hope you got it!
Would like to see more!

 

[beaujolais]

No, I didn't get it. I would have, but I fell asleep. Darn.

First, I liked it, then I didn't (basically because cause I always doubt myself on my e-bay stone picks), then you all convinced me it was o.k, then I missed it. It was kind of interesting, wasn't it? Thanks for the help and great info, all.

sonoma