S1 EP2 OPAL: water-born rainbows in the Australian desert, silica spheres and mineral classification.

In this episode of Crystal Case Studies, Emily deep dives into Opal, the mesmerising mineraloid from Australia's parched desert plains. Join us on a journey through time as we delve into the origins of Australian Opal: watery kaleidoscopes of colour from one of the driest places on Earth. ----------- @crystalcasestudies www.crystalcasestudies.com ---------- References: The Australian Gemmologist, Vol 21, #1, 2001. “Geology of Australian Opal Deposits”, L.J. Townsend. “Lightning Ridge, Walgett & District”, information booklet, p13. The Queensland Boulder Opal Association Elliston, J. (2018). Hydration of Silica and Its Role in the Formation of Quartz Veins – Part 1. Substantia, 2(2), 43–71. Harding, M. A. (2016) 'Plenty of opal back then: Opal Pulkah': a history of Aboriginal engagement in the Northern South Australian opal industry c.1940–1980' 'Lapidarium: The Secret Lives of Stones', Hettie Judah 'The Crystal Apothecary: 75 Crystal Remedies for Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Healing', Gemma Petherbridge 'The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach', Robert Simmonds and Naisha Ahsain