In a tale that could inspire anyone to take a second look at the rocks in their garden, an Australian man has made a discovery that's nothing short of astonishing. Wayne Sedawie, a resident of the Gold Coast, found himself in the spotlight after cracking open what appeared to be an ordinary rock, only to reveal a hidden gem—quite literally.


The rock, weighing a hefty 3.2 kilograms, was not just any stone; it was a boulder opal, and not just any boulder opal, but one that contained the 'rarest' form of the gemstone, valued at approximately $1,000. Some experts believe it could fetch even more on the market due to its unique characteristics.


This remarkable find has a backstory as intriguing as the discovery itself. The stone originally hailed from Quilpie, a rural town in Queensland known for its opal production. It was gifted to Wayne over five years ago, but due to its tough exterior, the reseller, who also happens to own Opal and Gem Stone Auctions, deemed it 'too tough to cut'. As a result, the rock was relegated to Wayne's 'reject' pile in his garden, where it sat unnoticed for years.


It was the surging demand for opal that prompted Wayne to give the stone another look. 'It's gone through the roof,' he told Yahoo News Australia. And it's a good thing he did, for inside the unassuming exterior was a 'rare red fire opal,' a find that left even a seasoned reseller like Wayne amazed. 'This one's actually got a film on top of it, so it makes it milky,' he explained. 'The more you go down polishing, the brighter it's going to get.'

Australian opal, particularly the boulder variety that forms on ironstone in Queensland, is becoming increasingly scarce. These opals are often cut with the ironstone left attached and can vary greatly in shape and size. The red opal, or fire opal as it's known locally, is the rarest and most sought-after colour, with blue being more common. The presence of any red colouring can significantly increase an opal's value, making Wayne's discovery all the more exceptional.

'It's getting harder and harder to find good opal in Australia,' Wayne lamented. His particular stone was 'hidden' in the ironstone and easily overlooked by the untrained eye. It took some effort to reveal the treasure within; after 'bashing it' with a pick and then a hammer, Wayne was finally able to glimpse the colour bar inside. 'It's like hitting iron or stainless steel. It just wouldn't do a thing. Then when I turn it over and crack it open, and here's this colour bar sitting there,' he recounted.


The opal reseller described the find as the biggest and best in his 25 years in the industry, calling it 'crazy' and 'pretty unique' due to the 'colour vein' featuring tones of red.

The excitement of unearthing such a valuable and beautiful piece of Australia's natural heritage is shared by miners and resellers across the country. Sue Cooper, a Queensland-based miner, spoke of the allure of opals, describing them as representing 'the timeless beauty and tranquillity of the outback.' Another Australian family shared their joy when their young son found a rare sapphire just meters from their front doorstep, a gem thought to be worth 'thousands.'

These stories highlight the thrill of discovery and the rich geological tapestry that lies beneath the Australian soil. For Wayne and others in the opal industry, it's the 'buzz' of being the first to lay eyes on something that has been hidden away for millions of years that keeps the passion alive.

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, Wayne's story is a reminder of the wonders that can be found right in our backyards—or perhaps just a stone's throw away. It's a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most extraordinary treasures are hiding in plain sight, waiting for someone with a keen eye and a bit of luck to uncover them.
Have you ever found something incredible in your backyard or while out exploring the great Australian outdoors? Share your stories with us in the comments below—we'd love to hear about your own backyard fortunes!