Collection: Boulder opal

Opal is an absolutely unique stone. No crystal structure in nature resembles that of opal: millions of tiny spheres gathered together in an amorphous mass (without crystallized form).

Carved opals discovered in a cave in Kenya and mined in Ethiopia have been dated to 4,000 BC. Opals are truly precious stones and boulder opals are among the best known of the opal family.

Originally from Australia, these boulder opals are distinguished from other opals because they are mined while still linked to the rock in which they were formed. Besides, boulder translates to rock in English. Boulder opal is native to the Queensland region of Australia, primarily in the southwest regions.

The sedimentary rocks of this region date back to the Cretaceous era (-140 million to -65 million years BC.). Most opals come from very arid regions, where during heavy precipitation, tiny silica particles were dissolved. As soon as the water evaporated, these pieces crystallized into small spheres in the parent rock.

Thus, opals were born. Preserved by the parent rock extremely rich in iron, boulder opal sees its properties increased. Indeed, iron is an energy amplifier and also a conductor of electrical energy.

In 1869, the first specimens of boulder opals were discovered. Two years later, the first mine was built. These incredible opals caused a sensation at the London Gem Exhibition in 1893.

In Australia, black opal remains the most widely traded Australian opal. Boulder opal comes in second place. However, it only represents 2% of opal production in Australia. But this figure is expected to increase rapidly, as many regions where boulder opal can be mined are not yet explored.

Boulder opal forms in the cracks and crevices of the rock known as the host rock. This is made up of multitudes of spheres from which light springs and creates incredible colors.

The largest spheres are red and the smallest are blue. Red spheres are rarer. So, red or orange colored boulder opals will be more expensive than lower ones with blue and green colors. In reality, there is no typical color of a boulder opal. A boulder opal can present all the colors of the rainbow with a phenomenon of iridescence (property of certain surfaces to change color depending on the angle of view or illumination). So, boulder opals, when moved, have various colors that can flash before the eyes.

Boulder opal is trapped in iron ore containing opal veins. Cutting is done by keeping a piece of rock around the opals. Iron has a higher hardness than opal (6 on the Mohs scale) and cutting is delicate.

Boulder opal has incredible charm, as it offers the contrast of stone on iron ore. This contrast between the dark background and the bright color increases the value of the opal. Boulder opal is one of the most precious stones in the opal family.

The main deposits are located in Australia, Canada and Brazil.

In Lithotherapy, boulder opal releases a soothing and harmonious energy. Its wearer faces life's events with calm and lucidity. It is invaded by serenity and well-being. He is well anchored on earth and enjoys the present moment, without suffering his past or worrying about his future.

Furthermore, the iron making up the matrix has a role as an energy amplifier which increases the virtues of boulder opal. Boulder opal encourages creativity, imagination and artistic gifts. Wearing this stone makes you want to create. It releases the spontaneity in each of us.

This stone helps overcome psychological blockages often linked to childhood trauma. Boulder opal makes it possible to better identify them and fight against their consequences. Thus, the wearer can move forward and overcome life's obstacles. He frees himself from the chains of the past.

Boulder opal stimulates self-esteem and restores self-confidence. It provides more confidence and more openness towards others. It encourages a good quality of listening and understanding of the interlocutor. It allows people to overcome their shyness.

This stone is a stone of communication and exchange. It breaks down barriers and frees speech. The speech is clear, well constructed and conveys the message correctly.