Opal

ClassificationsOrganic Materials-minerals-gemstones

Date2008-2019

Excavation SiteWollo Province, Ethiopia, Africa

MediumOpal

Dimensions7/8 × 1/4 × 3/8 in. (2.2 × 0.6 × 1 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. George Brooks

Object number2020.3.2

DescriptionSince the discovery of opal in Ethiopia in 1994 and subsequent discovery of a second vein of higher-quality opal in the Wollo Province in 2008, the country has become one of the major exporters for opal worldwide. The former owner of these gemstones, George Brooks, owned several gem mining operations and regularly used opals in his jewelry. What the intended purpose of these stones would have been, whether for eventual inclusion in a jewelry piece or just as display pieces is unknown.

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