This spectacular piece of opal was found within the last year in the Shoa Valley in Ethiopia. Although opal has been found in Ethiopia for many years, this new deposit also known as 'desert opal,' can be brilliant and colorful. This piece is extraordinary and has been held in reserve for our web site re-launch. Desert opal has been known to develop internal fractures. For good pieces like this one, we let it 'dry out' for several months. We have cut a number of stones from this material, in which case we let the stones 'rest,' for a year, just to make sure it hasn't developed any crazing. This stone is solid, without any problems, and is a fine example of this spectacular new deposit. It looks great in a variety of lighting, and displays easily. It weighs 18.70 carats (3.74 grams).