This stone is the choicest gem in the Kelsey I. Newman collection of rare opals and precious stones. On the 6th of March, 1916, Mr. Allan Harris of Brisbane submitted the gem to the Queensland Geological Survey. In the course of his report Mr. B. Dunstan, the chief Government Geologist, mentions that the back of the stone “is impressed with what appears to be a fossil plant called GINKO, which occurs in the Jurassic ricks of Queensland but not in association with any opal deposits. The stone is a wonderful specimen and much the largest gem of its class that has ever come under my notice.” This beautiful opal—unlike some other famous gems mentioned in this book—is said to have brought good fortune to all who have been associated with it.
CHAPTER XXIV
VARIOUS KINDS OF OPAL
CACHOLONG, THE OPAL OF FRIENDSHIP: FLOAT STONE, THE LOVERS’ OPAL: GIRASOL, THE FIRE OPAL: HYALITE, THE EYE OPAL: HYDROPHANE, THE MAGIC OPAL: MENILITE, THE LIVER OPAL: OPAL JASPER: ROSE OPAL: SEMI-OPAL, THE FOREST OPAL: TABASHEER: MARCO POLO’S ACCOUNT OF THE EXPEDITION OF THE GREAT KAAN: THE OPAL OF INVULNERABILITY AND REMOVER OF DREAD: THE MARVEL OF TRANSFORMATION.
“Grey years ago a man lived in the east,
Who did possess a ring of worth immense,
From a beloved hand. Opal the stone,
Which flashed a hundred bright and beauteous hues,
And had the secret power to make beloved
Of God and man the blessed and fortunate
Who wore it in this faith and confidence.”