People wonder why a bloke would put himself through the difficulties and hardships to mine opals by hand. This is why.
This one was bought by my Grandfather in the mid 60s, when a trip to Coober Pedy took seven days and Alice Springs was a 2 week expedition away. In those days it was quicker to sail to Darwin than it was to drive, and opals had very little value. This one is 25mm x 15mm. Mum wears it.
This isn't a black opal. They are only found at Lightning Ridge.
