Browsing and came across this....real or lab?

[RockHugger]

I dont know much about opals, so I have no idea. I was browsing the rare stones file and saw this...

it looks VERY VERY clean and clear....is it a real opal or lab (do they make lab opals in this color)? My initial instinct is lab opal because it looks like any other lab stone I have seen.

ETA link.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110507614577&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[colormyworld]

While opals from this area are some of the most beautiful opals found anywhere, they are most often NOT stable. They will "craze" in a very short time.

It would still be fun to go out to Neveda and dig some up.

 

[Barrett]

Looks just like a virgin valley opal..the purist say the finest balck opal comes from there..a pure black where as lightning ridge and other places are an off black color..i don''t know enough about opals thats just what i have heard..

 

[RockHugger]

So it isnt lab? I LOVE the colors in it. Very cool!

 

[Arkteia]

Have you checked the vendor''s reputation?

 

[RockHugger]

No cause I am not planning to buy it. Just something that cought my eye.

 

[ma re]

Very nice, looks like some sort of a candy! I love opals!

 

[chrono]

Very beautiful piece but probably will never be cabbed, shaped or worn due to the high risk of crazing. It’ll be awesome if stored properly to be admired from time to time though.

 

[RevolutionGems]

That appears to be the real thing. As mentioned before, Virgin Valley opal is some of the finest in the world but it is EXTREMELY fragile and the bulk of it will crack and craze if not stored in water. Evey once in a while there are pieces the remain stable but they are few and far between. And, as you noticed, this material is quite pricey, particularly when dry and stable.

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 3/23/2010 8:17:59 PM
Author: Revolution
That appears to be the real thing. As mentioned before, Virgin Valley opal is some of the finest in the world but it is EXTREMELY fragile and the bulk of it will crack and craze if not stored in water. Evey once in a while there are pieces the remain stable but they are few and far between. And, as you noticed, this material is quite pricey, particularly when dry and stable.

Was thinking about this, and wondered whether opal that needs to be stored in water would be any good in an aquarium?

Kind of pricey for fish-tank gravel, but would be pretty!