TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Ópalo Menilito

Ópalo is a mineral with formula SiO₂·nH₂O, in the Mineraloides (Óxidos) group. This specimen comes from Embalse de Camarillas, Agramón, Hellín, Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha, España and joined the Terrium collection in 2024.

Ópalo Menilito from Embalse de Camarillas, Agramón, Hellín, Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha, España — Terrium

Description

Menilite opal on matrix; smooth, matt, peanut-shaped nodule.

About Ópalo

A variety of common opal of sedimentary origin, formed by accumulation of silica in lacustrine and diagenetic environments, producing compact botryoidal forms.

About the locality

The Camarillas Reservoir is noted for its menilite opals with matt texture and colours ranging from light grey to whitish. Their genesis is linked to silica-rich lacustrine deposits in a sedimentary setting.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0141
Composition
SiO₂·nH₂O
Name
Ópalo
Variety
Menilito
Group
Mineraloides (Óxidos)
Category
Meritum Persé
Matrix
Caliza
Mine
Embalse de Camarillas
District / Municipality
Agramón, Hellín
Province
Albacete
Region
Castilla-La Mancha
Country
España
Size (cm)
9 x 3.5 x 1.5
Weight
61 g
Acquired
2024
Etymology
From Sanskrit "upala", meaning "precious stone".
Quality
Muy buena
Value trend
Estable

Related specimens

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