Shipping Rates
Australia
- For items under $100 rates are calculated at check out. Choose between Parcel postage or Express postage.
- A flat rate of $5.00 for domestic express postage for items between $100 - $500.
- Free domestic express postage for items over $500.
- All postage options include tracking numbers.
United States, Canada, New Zealand and selected countries in Asia
- International standard postage or international express postage can be selected. Rates are calculated at the checkout. Rates are based on the address and the weight of the order.
- We have a flat rate of $10.00 for international standard postage for items between $60 - $1000 (weight under 0.5 kilograms).
- Free international standard postage for items over $1000.
- All postage options include tracking numbers.
United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Norway* and Switzerland
- International standard postage or international express postage can be selected. Rates are calculated at the checkout. Rates are based on the address and the weight of the order.
- We have a flat rate of $20.00 for international standard postage for items between $60 - $1000 (weight under 0.5 kilograms).
- Free international standard postage for items over $1000.
- All postage options include tracking numbers.
Rest of the world*
- International standard postage or international express postage can be selected. Rates are calculated at the checkout. Rates are based on the address and the weight of the order.
- All postage options include tracking numbers.
To discuss shipping outside of our normal shipping destinations, please email at info@brokenrivermining.com
*There are current postal services delays to most countries and some suspensions *. Please see Shipping information for further details. Updated 17 May 2020.
Our wood replacement and crystal opals are a special type of Australian opal that form in sandstone. They are found together with boulder opals at our Russells opal mine in Western Queensland, Australia. See below for the specifics of their formation.
Opal Fossils with Unpreserved Internal Details
Opal formation commences when silica dissolves in water. At our Russells opal mine we have found that this silica solution occupies a void most probably left by decaying tree roots or branches. When it solidifies it creates an opalized replica of the original object. These are also known as 'jelly mould' fossils.
In some rare cases we have found large and rare opal fossil specimens with beautifully preserved external features and pure crystal opal ‘branches' or 'roots’ within.
The smaller and more fragmented pieces yield thick "crystal opal" that we carve into transparent and translucent opal gemstones.
Opal Fossils with Preserved Internal Details
Opal formation commences when silica dissolves in water. At
our Russells opal mine we have found that this silica solution occupies a void most probably left by decaying tree roots or branches.
In cases where the silica infiltrates organic material before complete decomposition occurs, the organic molecules are replaced by silica. This remarkable process results in the meticulous preservation of
intricate internal structures. Consequently, the wood structure remains visible within the opal.
Our “wood replacement” opal is truly exquisite, not only because it is an opalised fossil, but because the remaining internal structures create a mesmerizing inner world that is visible through the transparent and translucent opal.