ABC Radio’s Nightlife
Tony Smallwood appeared on ABC Radio’s Nightlife to discuss all things Opal with host Suzanne Hill and General Manager of Umoona Opal Mine & Museum, Nick Trioisi. A recording of the episode is available here.
An interesting opportunity was given to me (Tony) recently to participate in one of the ABC’s programs. The request was received to discuss some details about Australian opal. The other invitee for the program was my colleague Nick from Coober Pedy in South Australia.
Amongst some of the topics we were asked to discuss during the program, amongst other topics were:
When was opal discovered in Coober Pedy, and a little about the history of Coober Pedy., relating the story of Will Hutchinson, the reason for the name ‘Coober Pedy’ as related to our Indigenous colleagues and residents of outback Australia
Some details of how opal was named, and some interesting discussion regarding opal folklore.
Brief scientific discussion on how precious opal shows its phenomenal play—of-colour
Some discussion regarding how precious opal has value as a gemstone
After some input from listeners phoning in or texting experiences with precious opal I think both Nick and myself were a little surprised when asked by the presenter Suzanne Hill about perhaps a precious opal suitable to be considered as a “famous opal”. Of course Suzanne’s question was regarding an opal called ‘The Eternal Flame’. Some what embarrassed at the end of the programme I (Tony) have to admit that this stone had escaped my attention!
Of course I should have visited my colleague Justin’s website to find the answer to the question. So to perhaps to conclude, attached to this blog is a video discussion from Justin’s page at Black Opal Direct!
During the episode, Suzanne discussed one of the rarest Opal’s in the world, The Eternal Flame. Courtesy of Justin Thomas from Back Opal Direct, you can find out more about this magnificent Opal below. And to uncover the story behind The Eternal Flame, click here.
If you liked the episode or have any questions, let us know in the comments section below.
