Opal filled bone (?)

[Bugabob]

Here’s a different kind of possible opal fossil from Australia. This was found in Winton, not lightning ridge. See the next post for the story behind it. I hope the opal fossil collectors and experts on here will weigh in with their opinions. 

 

 

Edited June 12, 2021 by Bugabob

[Bugabob]

This was sold to me as a dinosaur bone filled with precious opal. According to the seller, this was found in the early 90’s along with about 20 other associated pieces in Winton, Australia. The small team of miners that found it split up the pieces. 
 

One of these miners had their pieces evaluated by the Queensland Museum and by a gem lab. See attached pictures. That miner verified that the person I bought this from was the wife of one of the other miners. 
 

So, is it possible that this is a piece of the only find of opal-filled fossil bone? Or is it pareidolia so compelling that even experts are fooled?

 

I sent these pictures to the Australian Opal Center and offered to donate the piece to them. They said they’re interested so it will be heading back home to Australia soon. 

Edited June 12, 2021 by Bugabob

[Rockwood]

I had to fight off an urge to call this plant material for a minute, but I agree that it is bone.

[Mike from North Queensland]

I have held a similar all blue piece that was found near Winton so agree saurapod bone as that is the domanant find around Winton Queensland.

Why donate to the Australian opal museum in New South Wales and not the Australian age of Dinosaurs museum in Winton where it was found.

 

Mike

[Bugabob]

33 minutes ago, Mike from North Queensland said:

Why donate to the Australian opal museum in New South Wales and not the Australian age of Dinosaurs museum in Winton where it was found.

Thanks for sharing Mike. I actually didn’t know about the AAOD museum in Winton or I might have reached out to them first. I met one of the founders of the AOC museum in Tucson several years ago and I know they focus on opalized fossils.