Phenomenal Multi Fire Opal Mussel Shell | Coober Pedy, Australia

This absolutely amazing Opalized Mussel Shell (whole) specimen is from Coober Pedy, Australia. A highly coveted area for spectacular specimens.

Specimen measures approx: 4.75cm x 2cm and weighs 46cts

The opal mining fields of Coober Pedy, which produces the bulk of the world's fire opals, lie in the remote outback of South Australia.

Opal Mussel Shells are very unique pieces for any collection. These are mussels that have been opalized. Opalized fossil mussels are rare and precious.

The different colors you see in opal is due to millions of tiny hydrated silica spheres of different sizes. Silica spheres refract the light and cause the magnificent spectral colors you see in the opal. Interestingly enough, the spheres have to be uniform and just the right size in order to create enough color for our eyes to actually see it.