Sep 11 2008
Opalized Wood
The picture to the left is a close-up crop of a piece of opalized wood. Opalized wood is a term that’s often used when referring to wood that has been silicified, or filled with silica. In some instances, large opals will be found inside the wood, but it’s more common to see the specklings shown in this photograph. Wood opal and conk wood are other terms that are often used when referring to this beautiful natural treasure.
Such specimens are often found in Nevada’s Virgin Valley. The Royal Peacock mining site has some additional photos of a larger specimen known as the Northern Lights Delight. Although opalized wood polishes up lovely and makes excellent jewelry, most collectors prefer to leave it untouched in appreciation of its natural beauty. Because of the rarity of nicer pieces, it can sell for a pretty penny.
7 Responses to “Opalized Wood”
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It is very pretty Kalilea. I don’t think I have seen opalized wood at all, do you have to dig to find it too? or is it silicified above ground?
Thanks for bringing some of the prettiest natural treasures to light. The colors in these photos are beautiful.
Melissa - yes, this little piece is mine. Right now, it’s just sorta sitting on my desk - I really ought to get a better place to put my rocks rather than have them scattered all over the house.
Betchai - You don’t always have to dig for it, but it depends where you’re looking. Most of the time you’re going to find it in areas where the trees have been dead a long, long time so it tends to be buried or, at the very least, obscured from view.
It really is gorgeous stuff and it’s even prettier when you see the light shining on it.