Boulder Opal
A variety of 'Precious Opal' [Opal]
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About Boulder Opal
Formula:
SiO2 · nH2O
Name:
The origin of the word "opal" is uncertain. It may be from the Sanskrit "upala", meaning "stone" or "precious stone" or from opalus, the ancient Latin name for the gem (Pliny the Elder, 75-79). Pliny may have also referred to the gem as paederos, but a modern commentary by Kostov (2008) questions if that name was actually applied to the opal in the modern sense.
A variety of Precious Opal found in Queensland, Australia, as cracks or coatings in and around ironstone/sandstone boulders.
Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Boulder Opal.
Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Boulder Opal.Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
8000 (as Boulder Opal)
3004 (as Opal)
3004 (as Opal)
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:8000:8 (as Boulder Opal)
mindat:1:1:3004:1 (as Opal)
mindat:1:1:3004:1 (as Opal)
Chemistry of Boulder Opal
Mindat Formula:
SiO2 · nH2O
Elements listed:
Synonyms of Boulder Opal
Varieties of Boulder Opal
| Yowah Nut | Small rounded pebbles of sandstone impregnated with Precious Opal. Originally reported from Yowah opal field, Queensland, Australia. |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 9 photos of Boulder Opal associated with 'Precious Opal' | SiO2 · nH2O |
| 4 photos of Boulder Opal associated with 'Ironstone' | |
| 1 photo of Boulder Opal associated with Opal | SiO2 · nH2O |
Other Information
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Boulder Opal
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-8000.html
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References for Boulder Opal
Reference List:
Jones, J. B., Segnit, E. R. (1971) The nature of opal I. nomenclature and constituent phases. Journal of the Geological Society of Australia, 18 (1) 57-68 doi:10.1080/00167617108728743
Localities for Boulder Opal
Showing 11 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| |
| |
| [var: Yowah Nut] | |
| Ingram (1968) |
| GIA 2018 |
| Dennis Tryon collection | |
Brazil | |
| Revista Brasileira de Geociências |
Canada | |
| Can.Rockhound v.3 no.1 +1 other reference |
Yowah opal field, Paroo Shire, Queensland, Australia