Halley's Comet Opal

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The Halley's Comet Opal is the largest uncut black opal in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It is so named because it was unearthed in 1986, a year when Halley's Comet could be seen from Earth.[1] It is the third largest gem grade black opal ever recorded, the largest one extant, and the largest specimen ever found in its region. It was found at Lightning Ridge in Australia by the Lunatic Hill Mining Syndicate. It weighs 1982.5 carats and is about the size of a man's fist. The Halley's Comet Opal a very fine specimen of an opal, with few flaws or blemishes and a large green and orange 1.6 cm thick color bar which goes through the opal.[2] Formed about 20 million years ago, it is an example of a nobby, which is a natural lump-shaped opal found only at Lightning Ridge.[3][4] Currently it is for sale at $1.2 million.[5]

[edit] See also

  • Andamooka Opal, another named opal that is also known as the Queen's Opal

[edit] References

  1. ^ Barry O'Learie Lab Report - Halley's Comet Opal. Retrieved on 2008-03-08.
  2. ^ Famous opals. Retrieved on 2008-03-08.
  3. ^ A guide to common opal words. Retrieved on 2008-03-11.
  4. ^ LRMA Report on Halley's Comet Opal. Retrieved on 2008-03-11.
  5. ^ Official Halley's Comet Opal Home Page. Retrieved on 2008-06-03.
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