Lot 666
Opalized BelemniteAnd Bivalve From Australia. The best quality of fire opal comes from the famous Cooper Pedy region of Australia. Occasionally a very few of these 90 million-year-old fossils opalize as part of their fossilization. The 1½ inch long Belemnite, an extinct group of cephalopods related to squids and the chambered nautilus, has been polished to reveal the fine fire opal of reds, greens and blues in a clear milky base. The only part of the extinct Belemnite to fossilize is the torpedo-shaped shell that is contained inside its body and make it rigid for swimming. The opalized belemnite has been placed back in its natural matrix, measuring 3 x 2½ inches. The second fossil is a 1¼ x 1 inch bivalve shell (Modiolus). The calcium carbonate shell has been replaced with fine opal greens and purples, with tinges of orange, and polished to reveal its sparkling beauty. Total weight is 2.8 ounces.
Estimated Value $500 - 900.
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