Dendritic Opal Value Guide

Dendritic Opal is a captivating variety of common opal prized for its intricate, fern-like manganese oxide inclusions that resemble natural landscapes. Unlike precious opal, this mineral is collected for its unique 'tree-growth' patterns and its historical connection to the Sanskrit 'Upala,' making every raw specimen a one-of-a-kind geological artwork.

What affects the value of Dendritic Opal?

• The complexity and aesthetic appeal of the dendritic 'landscape' patterns significantly impact the market price.
• Specimen size and the overall clarity of the host opal material influence the $10 to $30 value range.
• The presence of fractures or heavy matrix rock can detract from the value of the raw specimen.
• Origin and locality can play a role, with certain US-based deposits being highly sought after by lapidary artists.

How to Identify Dendritic Opal?

• Look for the characteristic branching, dendritic patterns which are mineral growths of manganese oxide rather than fossilized organic matter.
• Verify the base material is a hydrated amorphous silica, which typically lacks the 'play-of-color' found in precious opals.
• Examine the specimen for a waxy or vitreous luster common to the opal family in its raw, unpolished state.
• Check for a milky white to grey body color that provides a high-contrast background for the dark, tree-like inclusions.

History of Dendritic Opal

Opal has been admired for centuries, with its name deriving from the Sanskrit 'Upala,' meaning 'precious stone.' Dendritic opal, specifically, is characterized by its fern-like or tree-like inclusions, often of manganese oxides, which create unique natural landscapes within the stone. These inclusions are not organic material, but rather mineral growths. This variety of common opal is appreciated for its aesthetic patterns rather than its play-of-color, which is typical of precious opal. It is commonly used in lapidary arts for cabochons and carvings.