Opal after Ikaite

Spikey crystals of Opal after Ikaite forming what are known as 'opal pineapples'. These are actually believed to be double pseudomorphs, with the Ikaite first replacing Calcite crystals, which are then replaced by the Opal. The interior is all translucent to transparent opal with some blue/purple 'fire' showing. The large, spikey crystal form is very good on this one. I showed this specimen to mine owner Graeme Dowton who told me this one was found around 1995 and that most with such well defined points naturally fall apart before being mined. He indicated the mine is now nearly exhausted with little being found and he would value a piece like this at about $4000 (I got it in trade from a collection and can therefore offer it for much less). Interestingly, the mine name is derived from the fact that the indigenous people believed that the Opal Pineapple was the egg of the serpent Naatji, and since this is where they are found, it's the 'nest'.