"Written especially for the opal collector and gemmology student, as well as for the opal miner or visitor to the opal fields, this bokk names every recorded opal deposit in Australia and pinpoints every location on concise geologial maps. The text claifies in understandable terms the many mioneralogical, gemmological, and commercial complexities of the opal gemstone and explains the scientific factors involved in opal formation." - book jacket.
This book is the latest in the popular Fred Ward Gem Book Series. The full-color photographs give the buyer and enthusiast all the information needed to understand the various types of opals and the ability to buy them wisely.
A special section on the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games highlights this tenth edition, which also includes accommodations and dining in every state and territory and a full-color special section on Aboriginal art. Full color. 158 maps.