My article for Rock ‘n Gem on opal mining in Australia just came out.  This one was a challenge.  I generally don’t write about places I’ve never been.  Haven’t been there but took it on anyway.  And after I finished I felt like I knew the outback.  I’ve always been drawn to hot desert lands, to harsh places.  When I closed my eyes I could feel myself there.  Lightening Ridge.  Quilpie. Each mining town has its own legends, its own landscape and culture.  I believe I will go there one day. 

I am not as attracted to opal as I am to some other stones.  The crazy swirl of colors reminds me of a carnival.  Of wrapping paper.  I like the blaze of greens in peridot or red rubies.  Sapphires of a deep ocean blue.