Coober Pedy Mining Area in Australia

Fossillized opal in the shape of a seashell.
Found in Coober Pedy.

Opals were first discovered in Coober Pedy in 1915. Since then, this Australian mining area has produced the majority of gem-quality opals. The Coober Pedy mining area produces far more opal than Lightning Ridge. If you were to walk into 50 jewelry stores, it is likely that you will see only Coober Pedy opals. This mining area sits on an ancient sea bed. As a result, there are many fossils in this area. Fossilized opals are formed when silica gel seeps into a gap left by a sea creature. The result is an opal in the shape of a shell, fish, or some other ancient animal. Fossilized opals are commonly found in Coober Pedy.