Mesmerising transformation from nobby to gem opal
Love gem opal but not into learning how to cut? This video is for you!
Watch Justin transform an opal from a raw nobby into a massive wearable gem opal.
Nobby opal like this is fairly typical for the field it was found on. The Wyoming field is about 30 minutes north of Lightning Ridge. The field has been mined for many years and has yielded much opal including some fairly significant gemstones.
And don’t worry, if you are on the lookout for some cutting tips, Justin does manage to squeeze a few in! Along the way he discusses how you can tell if the colour bar is clear (hint: buy yourself a really good pencil torch) and what it takes to transform the rock.
Maybe it’s the new music but this video had me mesmerised. So sit back and enjoy this transformation from rough into a gem opal.
Love it? You can now purchase this gem opal right here.
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1 comment
I have not cut any lightning Ridge Black Opal since 1969, when I had some spectacular material. I am about to purchase a Diamond Pacific Titan 8“ Cabbing Machine. Can you recommend the wheels Justin prefers for working quality black Opal? Now that I am retired, it is time I fashioned some cabs from my hoard!
!¡! Thank You !¡!
Patrick Perry
Salt Lake City Utah USA
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Black Opal Direct replied:
Hi Patrick
Yes you will need a 250 grit hard, a 600 grit hard a 600 grit soft Nova a 1200 grit soft Nova and a 3000 grit Soft Nova
Also you really need a dedicated felt polish wheel seperate from your diamond pacific machine to get the best polish possible. But the 3000 grit will get you very close to a high polish
Patrick Perry
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