Opals
Gemstones
Jewelry
Coins
Published at 8th May 2018
Modified at 4th Jan 2023
Naturally Occurring Boulder Opals At Auction Prices
Boulder opals are natural occurring opals that can mainly be
found in the state of Queensland, Australia. They form along a geological
formation known as the Winton formation. This weathered cretaceous sedimentary
rock extends from the far north of the state of Queensland right down to the
Queensland – New South Wales border. Along this formation is where many
different forms of boulder opal can be found.
Naturally occurring Boulder opal in this area is different to other opals that can be found in places like Lightning Ridge. The boulder opals are formed in an ironstone concretion which ads stability to the precious opal. It seeps down in cracks or voids in the ironstone and when it solidifies it creates one of the most unique and beautiful patterns in nature.
Auctions are a great way to try and secure a natural boulder
opal at a fraction of the retail price. When stones are placed up for auction
in many cases they do not have a reserve. This means that buyers and collectors
can keep an eye on the auction and bid an amount that they think the stone is
worth. We have seen top quality boulder opals sell at extremely cheap prices because
the bidding activity was low. Likewise though we have seen some very ordinary stones
bid up to incredible prices. Sometimes auctions awaken a passion inside people
that makes them bid higher than they normally would.
Mining for boulder opals is hard work. The conditions are dry and harsh and huge machinery has to be used which creates a lot of dust. When some of these miners offer their opals for auction it can heart breaking if they don’t fetch the expected price. There is so much work that goes into mining and cutting an opal that sometimes it is hard to believe that the stone is only worth $10.
If you would like to participate in one of our auctions be sure to click here and check out what all of the excitement is about.
Search the Opal Encyclopedia
Related Auctions
Related Articles
Australian Black Opal is one of the rarest gemstones on earth. It has every color of the rainbow on a black ground which makes the colors dance.
8th May 2018
Boulder Opal is one of the most undervalue opals valuable on the market. Learn more about this unique opal and browse the beautifully stones we have for sale.
29th May 2019
With a passion for opals, Wayne and Estella Sedawie established Opal Plus more that 14 years ago and have found the internet to be a valuable tool. It’s where most of the company’s international transactions take place.
17th Oct 2018
Latest Articles
An opal’s price comes down to a variety of factors, all of which we’ve broken down in this guide to opal grading and prices. Learn all about opal grading and the prices of each type of opal!
19th Jul 2023
Come on a journey and learn about the healing power of opals from our guest writer Vivien Schapera from Crystal Healing Techniques!
20th May 2023
The Flame (or Fire) Queen opal is the world’s most expensive opal, sold for the modern equivalent of $3 million dollars. Learn all about its history and qualities!
18th Feb 2023
Article Categories
All there is to know about Opals including Black Opals, Ethiopian Opals & Boulder Opal
15 Articles
Check out our fascinating information and articles on all things amazing in the Opal world
43 Articles
Opal Auctions sellers who are approved as opal Verified Sellers
4 Articles