Unlike his mineral collection, my dad didn't keep much in the way of records on the rough materials he collected.  He had lots of them gathered into groups in glass topped boxes, or open cardboard boxes.  Some of the stones had labels of what they were, while other groups of stones didn't.  This item was found in his collection of rough faceting materials.  These items had no information about them other than the fact that they look like they have opalescence going on in them.

This piece weighs roughly 0.472 grams (2.360 carats) and measures about 11 X 9 X 6 mm.  I did photograph the stone dry because most of these stones didn't need to be wet to see the colors inside. This one looks like it is fully engulfed with fire!  Although the stone is rather translucent the fire that shines forth out of it is incredibly strong.   It is possibly clear inside with just a translucent outer layer as one side has a surface that allows you to see inside to the clear middle. I don't think I've ever seen opals show such fire without being polished!

With his PhD in mineralogy, my father loved to collect rocks.  In addition to his mineral collection, which he carefully organized by chemical groups, he had boxes of rough materials to either facet or cut into cabochons.  He also left us loads of finished cut stones - some made into simple jewelry, and others awaiting a final purpose.  Cutting stones was a hobby that he pursued up until his death at age 92.  I'm now tasked with finding his treasures a new home, and please note that I do not have a degree in mineralogy so it is possible that there could be errors in listing.  Look carefully at the photos to determine what is being sold.

I'll be posting more of my father's rock collections (rough material, cut stones, pendants, mineral specimens, and other rock related items) off and on for months so do make my store one of your favorites and check in often to see what new items are listed.  I try to list new items for auction every Tuesday. 

I will gladly combine shipping for purchases made on the same day.  If you win more than one auction I've tried to set it up so the weights of the items will determine the final cost of postage and will automatically combine the shipping.  However, since many of the stones are so lightweight it might be better for you to ask for an invoice before paying if you purchase more than one.  That way I can get you a true weight on them.  Due to my policy of trying to ship items within one day I cannot hold items (after you pay for them) in order to have me ship them with other items later, so try to buy what you want on the same day - that way I can get you the best shipping costs possible. Thanks!