Dendritic Opal

Dendritic Opal hand cut and polished. Set in Copper.

Necklace is 18"

Center stone is approximately 1.50" x 1" 40mm x 25mm

Dendritic opal is a unique variety of common opal distinguished by striking, branch-like or tree-like inclusions of manganese and iron oxides. Unlike precious opals, it does not display the fiery, shifting "play-of-color", but is instead treasured for the artistic, moss-like contrasts within its creamy-white or grayish-milky base.  Significant deposits of dendritic opal are actively mined across the globe, with notable sources in Australia, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and Western Australia (often referred to as Wanong opal).