Cutting opal mined in Lightning Ridge
Ever wanted to know what really goes into mining, finding, and cutting opal? In last week’s episode, we went underground in Lightning Ridge on the … Read more
Going Underground (Opal Mining in Lightning Ridge)
At first glance, Lightning Ridge is a charming small town situated on a vast and flat expanse of red dirt and native trees. What you … Read more
Hidden spots to find opal in Lightning Ridge
Nine hours west of New South Wales’ coastline is a town that consists of a few restaurants, a couple of pubs, and one surprisingly decked-out … Read more
Opal Stories
Justin and Melinda sit down to chat about the opal stories of some of our stock. You asked and we listened! In our last video … Read more
Romancing the Stone
On a cool, overcast winters day here on the Gold Coast, Justin takes us into his workshop and shows us the romance of opal. … Read more
A rough gem gets a makeover
Hey, hey, it’s cutting day! Watch Justin as he gives a rough gem makeover… how will it turn out? Assessing your options This week, … Read more
Justin’s Personal Opal Collection
Storytime! Let’s quiz Justin on some of the beautiful gemstones in his personal opal collection. Join us as Melinda (Black Opal Direct’s newest member!) … Read more
What is play of color in a gemstone?
What is ‘play of color’? Is it unique to opal? How can we tell? This week, Justin dives into what play of color … Read more
Which Opal Has the Better Gem?
This week Justin has some bad luck with a piece of nobby opal that looked promising but ended up a bit of fail! Then he … Read more
Does opal have NO color?!
Watch out… opal color rant! Justin’s back this week and boy, he’s got something on his mind… In the early days of opals discovery, when … Read more
Crystal Opal is Not Crystal
Justin clears up confusion and let’s us in on his simple technique of telling what is, and what isn’t, a crystal opal. How can we … Read more
The dangers of opal cutting
Justin explains the dangers of opal cutting and his change from sandpaper to the Nova wheel; why change? What difference does it make? … Read more
