OPAL PINEAPPLE: pseudomorph of extinct mineral known as ikaite, about 350g. Rare - only occur at White Cliffs, NSW - Mossgreen

Lot #313 - OPAL PINEAPPLE: pseudomorph of extinct mineral known as ikaite, about 350g. Rare - only occur at White Cliffs, NSW

Auction House:

Mossgreen
Sale Name:

Australian & Colonial - Antique & Historical
Sale Date:

06 Nov 2014 ~ 1pm
Lot #:

313
Lot Description:

OPAL PINEAPPLE: pseudomorph of extinct mineral known as ikaite, about 350g. Rare - only occur at White Cliffs, NSW
The crystal-like shape is known as an Opal Pineapple. In fact they are neither crystals nor pineapples. Opal is an amorphous mineral, meaning they have no crystal form. Opal pineapples are Pseudomorphs, which occur when one mineral replaces another making a cast of the original mineral. Opal has replaced the original mineral Ikaite, which only crystallises in near freezing conditions. This suggests that these pineapples had their beginnings in an ice age.
Estimate:

A$16,000 - 20,000
Realised Price:

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Category:

Scientific & Industrial

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.