Special Opal Macro Photography

The following images are macro photographs taken of the precious gemstone, Australian Boulder Opal. Boulder opal is a beautiful and unique type of opal only found in the Western Regions of Queensland.

This opal is formed naturally inside ironstone concretions due to ionization from sedimentary deposition about 30 million years ago. The opal forms inside the cavities of the boulders in both vertical and horizontal fissures creating a matrix of opal veins running through the ironstone.

The Boulder Opals that have been photographed for this collection belong to Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, and these images would not have been possible if it wasn’t for their generosity and support. Learn About Opals