A miner working his claim found the opal at a depth of 30 feet.  In honour of the Olympic Games, which were being held in Melbourne at the time, he named it “Olympic Australis”.

This extroadinary opal consists of 99% gem opal with an even colour throughout the stone.  The balance of 1% being the remaining soil still adhering to it. It is the largest and most valuable gem opal ever found.  It weighs 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 it is anticipated that upwards of 7000 carats could be cut from the piece.  However owing to it’s uniqueness, the opal will remain exactly as found.

The “Olympic Australis” has had articles published about it in many countries. It is also featured in numerous tourist publications pertaining to Australia.

This extraordinary gem opal is housed in a special security safe at Altmann & Cherny’s showroom, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne and may be viewed during showroom hours.