It took 14 million years for mother nature to create Virgin Valley😲😲 Virgin Valley opals are found in layers of clay that were formed when volcanic ash filled an ancient lake millions of years ago. Over time, Virgin Valley opal developed a reputation of being unstable and prone to cracking due to its high water content. (Virgin Valley opal can be up to 14% water, where Australian opal may be as little as 5% water). Although many rockhounds keep their specimens in water to prevent this cracking