Plume: AKA Digit pattern science

[SwordfishMining]

What are the rarest opal patterns?
"Starbursts or sunbursts are among the rarest. Other patterns include peacock tail, block, flagstone, jigsaw, stripes, broad flash and fan, to name just a few." somebody
The rarest patterns are NOT mentioned because those are the MOST desirable if not Australian. I have seen Plume Stars.

DIGIT PATTERN

CONCLUSION: This study has documented the macroscopic characteristics of digits, distinct aesthetic features observed in many natural opals from Ethiopia but rarely seen in specimens from other regions. We propose that these columns form vertically with their rounded ends pointing upward, and that larger patches of color formed before the matrix. The first step in our model is the deposition of a homogeneous layer of opal with juxtaposed vertical columns. Next, polygonization of the columns occurs. Then, an influx of fluid (probably less rich in silica) remobilizes this layer. The remobilization is most efficient at grain boundaries, separating the columns and rounding their edges. Finally, opal precipitates again between the partially dissolved columns, cementing them into a matrix of either common or play-of-color opal.


Digits have been reported in only one Australian sample (figure 2).
,,, reported from other deposits, such as Virgin Valley, Nevada (Gübelin and Koivula, 2005; Gaber, 2007).

https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/FA13- ... ns-rondeau
Magnifica, for sale

[PinkDiamond]

When I saw the word plume in your post it reminded me of the first plume opal we ever saw that ended up being sent to the ISG for identification of what caused the plumes, which were eventually identified with a spectroscope, which determined they were iron oxides. I would imagine the spectrum of that opal in the second shot would be the same. If anyone wants to read the thread that was copied from the old forum on opalauctions before they shut it down, here's the link. GemAddicts added some fabulous photos of other plume opals that resembled the one we sent to the ISG to ID the plumes. The irony was that spectroscopes are not used when verifying opals so it was the last test done. viewtopic.php?f=14&t=510&p=5018&hilit=plume+opal#p5018

Also, how much are you asking for the Magnifica? Good name for it.

[SwordfishMining]

Thanks for finding the link. You would have to talk to Scott Ryals of the Opal Negra Mine, https://www.etsy.com/shop/thegemdealer I have almost all that shown for sale too. Nowhere near as much polished or let alone his fine wire wrapping, but the mineral end, you could be looking at my tables. We literally work the same sources all around here and buy the same local stuff.
I have rarer & he has rarer (opals agates jaspers) cause we are collectors as much as lapidaries. He may be down to E opals on his carved page. Scott has his own store so I'm not sure what the Magnifica is priced at now. We didnt raise our prices like all the new buyers have to.

At one point it was not for sale to prove what his mine is good for, and all the lessor ones they sold/sell went for market. We both dig Rainbow Ridge and all our mines together for the different opals. Not like we are being bought out. They got a lot of multicolor plume blacks and I dont think they were down in the Bonanza layer either, but maybe. Every fold is a new day in caldera sediments.
The Bonanza has that canyon on a fault we have the next one to the east; the hill the original Virgin Queen Mine on the Bonanza was driven into. There is also a cross fault to the front and the Opal Queen sits at the foot of that and then below that is our 5 Opal Gemmas & Randy's Daisy Mae he has for sale online. Ryals has it all in his name. No need to ever see me for the haters.