A World-Class Gem-Quality Australian Black Opal—"The Stardust Opal". T-Bones Mine, Corcoran, New South Wales, Australia

A World-Class Gem-Quality Australian Black Opal—"The Stardust Opal". T-Bones Mine, Corcoran, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia © 2002-2010 Bonhams 1793 Ltd

Weighing 14.40 carats and measuring 18.5 x 14.1 x 8.0mm. Sold for $39,650

Found in 1981, in the Corcoran opal field 30 km west of the township of Lightning Ridge, the present gem is a textbook example of a true black opal from this prestigious locality. A magnificent oval cabochon, probably cut from a knobby (a nodule) "Stardust" possesses all of the most desirable qualities the most serious collectors seek: a floral pattern of play-of-color consisting of predominantly red and orange, with flecks of blue and green within the solid black body; with black potch to the obverse of the gem. The offering of this stone presents a rare opportunity for the collector to acquire a world-class gem.

Property of a Colorado Collector

Footnote: "The Stardust Opal" is Illustrated on page 111 in Rediscover Opals in Australia, by Stephen Aracic, 1999.

Bonhams & Butterfields. The Nature of Opals, 10 Nov 2010. 220 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco www.bonhams.com