
Opal
Virtual Museum ID: 19-LDM18
Specimen Summary
Opal is a mineraloid composed of amorphous silica. It is not considered a true mineral as it lacks an ordered atomic arrangement. This is due to the presence of water, differentiating it from crystalline silica (quartz). The internal structure of opal causes it to diffract light, producing pearly iridescence.
Specimen Data
The information listed below relates to the current holding location or collection that the sample is from, and whether the item is viewable at that location or is part of a private collection. Coordinates are given as guides, and we remind you that collecting specimens from these locations is not allowed. Caution is advised visiting such sites and Below BC assumes no responsibility for any injuries or trespassing charges that may occur as a result of the viewer entering these sites.
Collection Details
Original Collection:
Lakes District Museum (LDM)Sub Collection:
-Collection ID:
LDM-18Virtual Museum ID:
19-LDM18Accessibility:
Date Added to VM:
2019-08-23Location Information
Sample Origin:
S of Francois Lake, B.C.Specific Site:
Cheslatta LakeUTM Easting:
5937496.416UTM Northing:
316476.5726Datum:
10 (NAD 83)Coordinate Accuracy:
ApproximateSpecimen Details
VM Category:
MineralPrimary Features:
OpalPrimary Mineral Formula:
SiO2 · nH2OPrimary Category:
silicateSecondary Features:
Advanced Geological Information
The following section provides geological data relating to the specimen or the site it was collected from, when available. Information has been obtained from various sources including private and government datasets but may not be up to date. Any geological time periods or ages listed often relate to the primary geology of the area, and may not be the actual date of an event such as mineral formation.
Geological Formation:
N/AGeological Period:
N/AStratigraphic Age:
N/AGeological Belt:
N/AGeological Terrane:
N/AMinfile ID:
N/AMinfile Link:
Site Details:
N/AAdditional Images