Huge opal, bigger than a brick, sells for nearly $144,000 at Alaska auction

This opal specimen — one of the largest opals in the world — has been sold for nearly $144,000 at an auction in Alaska. | Alaska Premier Auctions and Appraisals via AP

JUNEAU, Alaska — A gemstone describled as one of the largest gem-quality opals in existence has been sold for $143,750 at an auction in Alaska.

The opal, dubbed the “Americus Australis,” weighs more than 11,800 carats, according to the auction house, Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals.