Search found 444 matches

by OpalSpectrum
Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:53 am
Forum: Expert Q&A
Topic: Australian opal with dendrites
Replies: 2
Views: 137

Re: Australian opal with dendrites

Hi Craig , I think this is 'black potch webbing' which sometimes can form odd shapes inside the crystal opal > like in your example *some Lightning Ridge opals have a lot of potch webbing very similar to Ethiopian opals - I might create post about it :roll: here are some similar crystals which I've ...
by OpalSpectrum
Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:18 pm
Forum: Expert Q&A
Topic: Timing Opalization at Lightning Ridge: New Evidence from Opalized Fossils George E. Mustoe & Elizabeth T. Smith
Replies: 2
Views: 279

Re: Timing Opalization at Lightning Ridge: New Evidence from Opalized Fossils George E. Mustoe & Elizabeth T. Smith

great - thanks for posting mate :)

I have couple interesting fossils from LR which I'm trying to ID and there is a lot of good info (still reading)
*btw. watch the video I posted about the growing opals
by OpalSpectrum
Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:12 pm
Forum: Expert Q&A
Topic: How To Make Opal
Replies: 3
Views: 4088

Re: How To Make Opal

here is something similar to the last video about - ''Growing Opal'' quite long (you can speed up x1.25) very interesting info and experiments *it looks like 'opaque' opal forms when the process of sedimentation is faster and crystal opal forms 'slower' :roll: 83SAOyb8mQY ** about a week ago on FB s...
by OpalSpectrum
Fri Feb 16, 2024 7:00 pm
Forum: Expert Q&A
Topic: Cloudy covering amazing colors
Replies: 7
Views: 422

Re: Cloudy covering amazing colors

in my opinion the best way is to cut 1 big perfect oval and 2nd small stone graig.jpg don't get me wrong but the appraising sites are not really accurate and good way to value opal note that the body tone is light and has milky potch in the face - which devalue it and isn't really looking nice - whi...
by OpalSpectrum
Tue Jan 30, 2024 8:59 pm
Forum: Enthusiast Zone
Topic: Cool Opal Story
Replies: 3
Views: 410

Re: Cool Opal Story

I thought is was Australian. Photo was just from one direction about defining anything. Glad to see it was a knobby LOL. Great find. I was ready for you to say he had you cut it. I wish lol after seeing the photo of the rough I knew it was real Lightning Ridge *rough Welo is quite different but wit...
by OpalSpectrum
Tue Jan 30, 2024 11:10 am
Forum: Enthusiast Zone
Topic: Cool Opal Story
Replies: 3
Views: 410

Cool Opal Story

I would like to share really cool story (*the owner gave me the permission to use the photos but I will not share all the details) somebody was looking for info and thoughts about the opal he own here is the photo he provided and info saying it's Lightning Ridge , a bit over 5ct plus he mentioned th...
by OpalSpectrum
Tue Jan 30, 2024 10:18 am
Forum: Carvings
Topic: New Zealand Jade carving
Replies: 7
Views: 4029

Re: New Zealand Jade carving

thanks mate - great video - I forgot about Caleko channel and didn't know this company - plus it's in EU which is great for me - but like he said it's quite expensive I think I'll order first some burs from SUVA because I also need NOVA points and when I save some $$$ I'll buy couple shapes (600 &am...
by OpalSpectrum
Fri Jan 12, 2024 10:51 pm
Forum: Enthusiast Zone
Topic: Opal Pineapple Amazing Specimes from RedEarthOpal
Replies: 5
Views: 2923

Re: Opal Pineapple Amazing Specimes from RedEarthOpal

check out this video from Young Guns Opal Hunters showing rare find >> Pineapple cluster 8-)

by OpalSpectrum
Fri Jan 12, 2024 8:58 pm
Forum: Carvings
Topic: New Zealand Jade carving
Replies: 7
Views: 4029

Re: New Zealand Jade carving

Thank for the great comments. This jade was very hard. Easily 6.6 about as hard as nephrite gets. I used diamond paper on the smoothing stages. To slow with carbide sticks. Your style is really cool 8-) I was always wondering what are your techniques & tools ? btw. I need some better burs and w...
by OpalSpectrum
Sun Jan 07, 2024 2:15 pm
Forum: Cutting Opal
Topic: Opal polishing... With a twist!
Replies: 15
Views: 1605

Re: Opal polishing... With a twist!

btw. just to let you know - if anybody need some similar stuff - but good without cracks lol - I have some affordable mid-grade rough & rubs for sale - just hit me PM and let me know what you are looking for ;)
*or if you want I might create post with some rough for sale ?