AURORA AUSTRALIS OPAL

The “Aurora Australis” was found in 1938 at Lightning Ridge, New South Wales.  Dug from an old sea-bed it has the distinctive impression of a star fish on its back. Altmann & Cherny purchased the opal in a semi-rough state (a rub).  They cut and polished the opal into its oval shape.  Realising what a true gem they had, they named it “the Aurora Australis “ after the bright southern lights in the night sky.
The opal has a harlequin pattern with dominant, red, green and blue colours on a black background.
The rarity of the opal comes from its size and strong, vibrant colour play.  It weighs 180 carats and its dimensions are 3inches x 1.8 inches.  It is valued at AUD$1,000,000.
“The Aurora Australis” is owned by almann and cherny and is on permanent display in our Sydney showroom at 19 - 31 Pitt Street, Sydney.