The Flame Queen Opal is perhaps the best-known example of "eye-of-opal", an eye-like effect created when opal in-fills a cavity. The Flame Queen's flat central raised dome flashes red or gold depending on the angle of view, and is surrounded by a band of deep blue-green, giving the stone an appearance somewhat like that of a fried egg. The Flame Queen weighs and is somewhat triangular in shape, measuring 7.0 x 6.3 x 1.2 centimeters (2.75 x 2.50 x .50 inches). The Flame Queen was discovered in 1914 by three partners: Jack Philips, Walter Bradley and "Irish" Joe Hegarty, at the Bald Hill Workings,

Lightning Ridge, New South Wales Lightning Ridge is a small outback town in north-western New South Wales, Australia. Part of Walgett Shire, Lightning Ridge is situated near the southern border of Queensland, about east of the Castlereagh Highway. The Lightning Ridge area ...

Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...

. Tunneling down at around revealed no trace of the tell-tale coloring in the clay that indicates the likely presence of opal. However, despite the poor ventilation and the constant danger of tunnel collapse, Bradley and Philips wanted to continue digging. At , Bradley's pick found a large, black opal nodule. It was not until they reached the surface that the true nature of their find was revealed. Bradley was the most skilled

lapidary Lapidary () is the practice of shaping rock (geology), stone, minerals, or gemstones into decorative items such as cabochons, engraved gems (including cameo (carving), cameos), and faceted designs. A person who practices lapidary techniques of ...

, and he was entrusted to cut and polish the great stone. By this time the partners were tired and broke; they sold the Flame Queen for just £93.Leechman, F: "The Opal Book", page 200. Ure Smith, 1961 The Flame Queen was exhibited at the Geological museum, London, in 1937 on the occasion of the Coronation of King

George VI George VI (Albert Frederick Arthur George; 14 December 1895 – 6 February 1952) was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until Death and state funeral of George VI, his death in 1952 ...

and again at the Gemological Institute, London, in 1980–81. At one time it was a part of the renowned Kelsey I. Newman Collection, and more recently the Jack Plane Collection.

References

{{Reflist Individual opals

See also

References