Silification Geology (OPALS) with Patrice Rey
Summary
Alie Ward explores the geology of opals with Dr. Patrice Ray, a French geoscientist and world expert on the gemstone. They discuss how opals form from silica spheres in acidic, water-rich environments, distinguishing natural precious opals from synthetic and simulated varieties. Ray explains the "Martian twist" in their formation, linking the acidic weathering of central Australia to similar processes on Mars. The episode also covers the history of opal mining in Coober Pedy, the mystery of opalized fossils, and the ongoing scientific debate regarding the age of these unique stones.
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