For five years i worked at the Hayricks opal mine in south west queensland. What a mine, it has probably produced over $20 million over the years and has been the longest single site ever to be mined. Hayricks opal produced the finest red colours ever seen. It was so rich in gem quality opal that the opal which showed greens and blues were thrown into the waste area. In the 1960′s a gentleman went back to that area and recovered over $1.5 million as the greens and blues were spectacular. Rumour has it that one specimen of boulder opal was left in the main ballroom to show guests. It was 11 metres long and had a face of red colour over 15 cm wide. In todays money, unfathomable, it is still there! I worked the excavator and loader there both big machines, no pick and shovel like the early days. The excitement of pulling out a boulder opal that has never been seen for over 20 million years and showing the most amazing colours, still excites me to this day.Come to the watch doctor for all your opal needs.