Sue from @brokenrivermining presents: Opal Fossils with Unpreserved Internal Details Opal formation commences when silica dissolves in water. At our Russell’s opal mine we have found that this silica solution occupies a void most probably left by decaying tree roots or branches. When it solidifies it creates an opalized replica of the original object. These are also known as ‘jelly mould’ fossils. In some rare cases, like shown above, we have found large and rare opal fossil specimens with beaut

This is probably one of my most exciting finds at our Russell’s opal mine. A wood fossil specimens where the branches or roots have been opalized and are pure purple crystal opal. This is very rare. Remember that opal formation commences when silica dissolves in water. In this case the silica solution occupied voids left by decaying tree branches or roots, millions of years ago. When it solidifies it creates an opalized replica of the original object. These are also known as ‘jelly mould’ fossil