Opal Gains and Opal Losses

When it comes to opal cutting, every stone tells a different story, and not all tales end with a triumph.

In this video, Justin takes on a fossil opal from Lightning Ridge—a wood replacement opal that’s millions of years old. With its intense color bar and challenging sand spots, this opal promised both incredible potential and daunting risks. As Justin carefully navigates the cutting process, he encounters the highs and lows of what it truly means to gamble on opal gains and opal losses.

Sand Traps and Hidden Potential

This fossil opal presented a nerve-wracking challenge. Despite a dazzling color bar, sand and potch riddled the stone, obscuring its true value. Justin approached cautiously, polishing the edges to get a clearer view and carefully removing material layer by layer. But as he worked, it became evident that the sand was interfering with the brightest colors, while the potch line dulled the stone’s potential.

The process was painstaking—each cut required precision and hope that a gem-worthy section might emerge. Unfortunately, the stone’s structure made it nearly impossible to achieve a larger, valuable gem without sacrificing carat weight or quality. It was a textbook example of the unpredictability of opal cutting and the risks that come with it.

Lessons from Opal Cutting: Not Every Gem Is a Winner

After all the effort, the final result was a 5.47-carat dark opal with stunning red hues but a disappointing outcome in value. While the gem fetched $7,500, it left Justin with a $3,500 loss—a stark reminder of how opal gains and opal losses can hinge on factors beyond control.

Opal cutting is a mix of skill, patience, and luck. Sometimes, despite meticulous planning, nature’s quirks win out. But even in the face of loss, there’s a lesson: every piece teaches resilience, adaptability, and a deeper respect for these ancient treasures. The journey is as valuable as the gem itself, and with every cut, the hope for the next masterpiece remains alive.