In the heart of the Australian outback, in Winton, Queensland, lies a treasure trove of petrified wood embedded with turquoise opal. Gemstones are coveted for their unique properties and brilliant hues, and opal in particular has long captured the imagination of artists and writers alike, thanks to its varied and captivating forms. The name “opal” is derived from the Greek word Opallios, which means “to perceive a change of color,” alluding to the stone’s striking ability to shift hues depending on the angle of light.
Opal stones are prized for their exceptional properties and can command high prices, particularly those with darker shades that are considered the rarest. For those seeking opal, Australia is the ultimate destination, with the Boulder Opal being one of the most extraordinary finds. This exquisite stone is often referred to as the “Rainbow Tree” due to its capacity to display the full spectrum of colors found in a rainbow.
Since the 1890s, Australia has been home to numerous opal mines that have fueled a thriving industry centered around this precious gemstone. While opal is frequently used in jewelry making, it also has a range of other applications, such as in crystal therapy and energy healing. Whether admired for its aesthetic beauty or its purported healing properties, opal remains a prized gemstone with a rich and fascinating history.
