Description
This striking hand cut and polished sphere features Indian Blue Opal with excellent dendritic inclusions, a distinctive lapidary material commonly sold under the trade name “Owyhee Opal & Moss Agate.” Originating from India, this material combines opaline silica and chalcedony with remarkably intricate moss-like mineral inclusions.
This particular sphere is exceptionally detailed for its size. Dense green, pale gold, and earthy tan inclusions spread across smoky brown, and nearly black chalcedony, forming elaborate branching and lace-like patterns. The formations resemble tiny forests, roots, mist, and sprawling natural landscapes captured within the stone.
Contrasting sections of milky white to pale blue opaline material brighten the sphere and create beautiful transitions against its darker areas. Small translucent windows reveal additional layers beneath the polished surface, giving the piece impressive visual depth.
This is a wonderfully unique sphere with an extraordinary amount of patterning packed into every angle.
Locality: India
Dimensions & Weight
Diameter: 1.25"
Weight: 105g
Collector’s Notes
This sphere stands out for the density and complexity of its moss-like formations. Delicate green and golden structures weave through dramatic dark chalcedony, while pale blue-white opaline areas provide beautiful contrast.
The patterns change dramatically as the sphere is rotated—from densely mossed, almost forest-like sections to softer areas of smoky translucent chalcedony and milky opaline silica.
Although this Indian material is commonly marketed in the lapidary trade as “Owyhee Opal & Moss Agate,” the Owyhee name is a trade designation in this context and does not indicate an Oregon locality.
Metaphysical Properties
Blue opal is traditionally associated with calm, emotional balance, creativity, communication, and peaceful self-expression. Its soft blue coloration is often connected with tranquility and clarity of thought.
Moss agate is associated with growth, abundance, grounding, renewal, and connection with the natural world. Together, these materials are traditionally regarded as balancing the peaceful, reflective qualities of blue opal with the earthy energy associated with moss agate.
Highlights
Rare Indian Blue Opal with dendritic inclusions
Excellent color
Dramatic black and white contrasting areas
High amounts of mineral inclusions
Naturally textured
Hand cut and polished sphere
Exceptional landscape-like patterning
Every viewing angle reveals something different
Mineralogy
Material: Opaline silica and chalcedony with mineral inclusions
Primary Composition: SiO₂ / SiO₂·nH₂O
Color: Powder blue, blue-gray, white, black, cream, golden yellow, and brown
Luster: Waxy to vitreous on polished surfaces
Transparency: Translucent to opaque
Formation: Silica-rich material with moss-like and mineralized inclusions and naturally occurring cavities
Locality: India
Description
This striking hand cut and polished sphere features Indian Blue Opal with excellent dendritic inclusions, a distinctive lapidary material commonly sold under the trade name “Owyhee Opal & Moss Agate.” Originating from India, this material combines opaline silica and chalcedony with remarkably intricate moss-like mineral inclusions.
This particular sphere is exceptionally detailed for its size. Dense green, pale gold, and earthy tan inclusions spread across smoky brown, and nearly black chalcedony, forming elaborate branching and lace-like patterns. The formations resemble tiny forests, roots, mist, and sprawling natural landscapes captured within the stone.
Contrasting sections of milky white to pale blue opaline material brighten the sphere and create beautiful transitions against its darker areas. Small translucent windows reveal additional layers beneath the polished surface, giving the piece impressive visual depth.
This is a wonderfully unique sphere with an extraordinary amount of patterning packed into every angle.
Locality: India
Dimensions & Weight
Diameter: 1.25"
Weight: 105g
Collector’s Notes
This sphere stands out for the density and complexity of its moss-like formations. Delicate green and golden structures weave through dramatic dark chalcedony, while pale blue-white opaline areas provide beautiful contrast.
The patterns change dramatically as the sphere is rotated—from densely mossed, almost forest-like sections to softer areas of smoky translucent chalcedony and milky opaline silica.
Although this Indian material is commonly marketed in the lapidary trade as “Owyhee Opal & Moss Agate,” the Owyhee name is a trade designation in this context and does not indicate an Oregon locality.
Metaphysical Properties
Blue opal is traditionally associated with calm, emotional balance, creativity, communication, and peaceful self-expression. Its soft blue coloration is often connected with tranquility and clarity of thought.
Moss agate is associated with growth, abundance, grounding, renewal, and connection with the natural world. Together, these materials are traditionally regarded as balancing the peaceful, reflective qualities of blue opal with the earthy energy associated with moss agate.
Highlights
Rare Indian Blue Opal with dendritic inclusions
Excellent color
Dramatic black and white contrasting areas
High amounts of mineral inclusions
Naturally textured
Hand cut and polished sphere
Exceptional landscape-like patterning
Every viewing angle reveals something different
Mineralogy
Material: Opaline silica and chalcedony with mineral inclusions
Primary Composition: SiO₂ / SiO₂·nH₂O
Color: Powder blue, blue-gray, white, black, cream, golden yellow, and brown
Luster: Waxy to vitreous on polished surfaces
Transparency: Translucent to opaque
Formation: Silica-rich material with moss-like and mineralized inclusions and naturally occurring cavities
Locality: India
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