Opal

[StoneWhisper]

Just wanted to make sure those of you who collect opals are making sure that your keeping them submurged in water (if they arent or havent been nuteralized)

 

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[rock]

Now that looks like what I posted as Chert doesnt it? And why would you want to soak it in water? I am new to this. I have always liked all types of rocks. Thanks for the lesson, rock.

 

[Bajahunter]

rock
The problem he is talking about is called crazing.
Here is a link to a site that explains it better than I.
Opal: The mineral Opal (black, white, fire) information and pictures
Opal is silicon dioxide with some water added, between 3 and 21%, normally around 10%. When opal looses this water it becomes chert/chalcedony
A couple of hundred thousand years ago (yesterday morning in geologic time) your chert would have been opal

 

[rock]

Wow that is neat Baja. So if I find some in a natural water source that has been there forever it might still be Opal then?

 

[StoneWhisper]

Lets not forget this too.. If you live west of the mississippi river, Most if not all chalcedonys can have opal inside them.. Thou these wouldn't look like the opals in the images above.. but they would have more of a thick rich solid color.. Research to topic and thanks for viewing.

 

[rock]

Yeah I am east of that

 

[Turkısh Man]

Mexican fıre opal in tufa rhyolite

 

[arrorhead junky]

that is some very nice fire opal

 

[caddo]

thats some rocking Mexican fıre opal
i like to find some like that for sell

 

[MicMcIntyre]

I have about 200lbs of fire opal, some small blue, and they are remarkable, just dumb luck and then hard work brought them to me, I would be interested in parting with some

 

[StoneWhisper]

MicMcIntyre

Your best bet it to attend a gem or mineral show.​