{"product_id":"australian-fossilized-opal-shell-833","title":"Australian fossilized opal shell 84.44 ct 833","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis rare and valuable Australian opalized shell is an exceptional geological and paleontological specimen, formed naturally within rock cavities over millions of years. These cavities developed when ancient marine organisms were buried in sand or clay, fossilised, and later replaced by opal through a natural mineralisation process.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpalised fossils are highly sought after due to their rarity and scientific significance. While dinosaur-age fossils are uncommon in Australia, much of the continent was once covered by the ancient \u003cstrong\u003eEromanga Sea\u003c\/strong\u003e, a vast inland sea that existed during the Cretaceous period and supported diverse marine life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese opalised shell specimens are believed to date from the \u003cstrong\u003ePaleocene (66–56 million years ago)\u003c\/strong\u003e to the \u003cstrong\u003eEocene (56–33.9 million years ago)\u003c\/strong\u003e, making them both historically important and exceptionally rare collectibles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighly prized by collectors, lapidaries, and opal enthusiasts, this unique opal fossil represents a remarkable fusion of natural history and gemstone beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 84.44 ct (16.88 g)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 54 × 27 × 22 mm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rocks On The Rocks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45517225754807,"sku":"833","price":1550.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0051\/9176\/1987\/files\/OpFoss9.7.jpg?v=1765601074","url":"https:\/\/www.rocksontherocks.com\/products\/australian-fossilized-opal-shell-833","provider":"Rocks On The Rocks","version":"1.0","type":"link"}