Spencer Idaho Opal

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SwordfishMining
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Spencer Idaho Opal

Post by SwordfishMining »

Hiya all. I found a nice article about the miners and shops of this unique American precious opal. Fee digging is an option at the shop, no longer at the mine itself. http://www.ksl.com/?sid=35862005&nid=711
I'll jump over my shadow. https://www.virginvalleyopal.com"
Opals & more at my ESTY store https://swordfishmining.etsy.com"
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PinkDiamond
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Re: Spencer Idaho Opal

Post by PinkDiamond »

Thanks for the article John. I'd love to go there and pick up more of that material, although I understand there's little to none of what Chuck/Starbird gave me left. He said this was mined back in the 60's.

Its 20.5cts, and a solid 1/4" thick.
SpencerIdahoOpalStarbirdChuck.jpg


I'm glad you posted that so I had an excuse to show off that puppy here, too. :lol:
PinkDiamond
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kjsspot
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Re: Spencer Idaho Opal

Post by kjsspot »

Need to make a trip to Idaho someday.
~KJ~
Mysterious opals contain the wonders of the skies - sparkling rainbows, fireworks, and lightning, shifting and moving in their depths.
ETSY: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KJOFineArt
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Brightlights
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Re: Spencer Idaho Opal

Post by Brightlights »

Last I heard, they wanted to sell the mine and shop? Been a few years and third party... I wish i had the funds!

Oops... I didn't see the story, he sold it two months ago!
:(
Call em' up and get discounted opals before they move to California! 8-)
Too many beautiful distractions... https://twitter.com/burningems
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granniesgems
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Re: Spencer Idaho Opal

Post by granniesgems »

Here are the ones I found at the Spencer Mine a month ago. I have not cut any out. This was my first experience digging in their field. I sure had a blast.

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My camera did not want to pick up the colors. When wet and sunlight or a flashlight shining into them, I can see pink, blue, green, and a yellowish color. I'm so new to this, I am figuring more color will show once it is off the host rock, cut and polished. I would appreciate any comments or thoughts about cutting.

I realize they are not as brilliant as the ones usually seen on here, but I am proud of my finds. Finding them and finding you has inspired me.
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PinkDiamond
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Re: Spencer Idaho Opal

Post by PinkDiamond »

Hi grannie, and welcome to the forum. That first one looks like it's got the most opal, but you never know until you get in there. Hope it's all good opal in there, and that's great that you were able to collect them yourself. It's always more rewarding when it's something you found yourself and you're able to make it into something wearable because there's a story to go with it when people ask about it. ;)

Do you have a slab saw? I'm wondering how you plan to cut it, and you'll have to be careful where there's crazing in the opal you want. You may not be able to remove all the host rock from some of them, but good luck and show us as you progress; and again, welcome to the forum. :)
PinkDiamond
ISG Registered Gemologist


· ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ There are miracles left for you to do .... -:¦:- -:¦:-
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* It all begins inside of you. ;)
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SwordfishMining
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Re: Spencer Idaho Opal

Post by SwordfishMining »

I used a UV lamp to see which ones glowed good. Only have cut naturals with flat tops by grinding everything else away. You have to imagine it abstractly. Occasionally its easy but not as a rule. See triplet making. And welcome too.
I'll jump over my shadow. https://www.virginvalleyopal.com"
Opals & more at my ESTY store https://swordfishmining.etsy.com"
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granniesgems
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Re: Spencer Idaho Opal

Post by granniesgems »

Thank you for the tips and welcome, SwordfishMining.
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