Fire opal has been found in Ethiopia for many years, this new deposit also known as 'desert opal,' typically has a white silica base, compared to the previous finds that were brown or occasionally black. Desert opal can be brilliant and colorful. It is a new deposit, and as such untested for very long time horizons (like Australian). We have cut many pieces, and if they don't crack during cutting, we let them "rest," for about a year, before offering them for sale. The rough piece weighs 55.80 carats/ 11.16 grams. It is a wonderful specimen from this new deposit. The piece is a nodule, that has a flat face, and the quality of the opal seam is beautiful. Pics don't convey the way the light pics up the colors when you see it in person. The cabochon that accompanies the larger piece weighs 3.89 carats. It is cut as a high dome round. I matched the color play as much as possible to make the set. They both exhibit flashes of green and orange, with the cab exhibiting a bit more blue.

Opal: Rough and Cut