The stone now called the Olympic Australis opal was found in August 1956 at the “Eight Mile” opal field in Coober Pedy, South Australia, by a miner working his claim a depth of 30 feet. In honour of the Olympic Games, which were taking place in Melbourne at the time, he named it “Olympic Australis”.
This opal consists of 99% gem opal, with an even colour throughout the stone.
It is the largest and most valuable gem opal ever found, weighing 17,000 carats (3450 grams) and is 11 inches long (280 mm), with a height of 4¾ inches (120 mm) and a width of 4½ inches
(115 mm). It is valued at AUD$2,500,000
Due to the purity of the opal, experts have estimated that over 7000 carats could be cut from the piece. However, because it is so unique, the Olympic Australis will remain exactly as is.
This Olympic Australis is located in a special security safe at Altmann & Cherny’s showroom, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne and anyone may view it during showroom hours.