Click through to read this amazing story on GIA! I drooled my way through this article.
http://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2016-challenges-cutting-large-gem-opal-rough
ABSTRACT
Cutting large gem-quality opal rough poses special challenges not encountered when working with smaller pieces. The author explains the considerations in cutting a 3,019 ct piece of gem-quality white opal that was mined from the Olympic Field in Coober Pedy, South Australia, during the 1950s. Through careful analysis and planning, he was able to extract a single finished gem weighing 1,040 ct, with play-of-color across the entire surface. Named the Molly Stone, it is one of the largest fine gem opals ever cut. This article describes the unique factors involved in maximizing its size and play-of-color.
The Challenges of Cutting a Large Gem Opal Rough
Moderators: PinkDiamond, John
The Challenges of Cutting a Large Gem Opal Rough
~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
Website: http://www.kjmontoya.com
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
Website: http://www.kjmontoya.com
- SwordfishMining
- Posts: 4264
- Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2015 3:06 pm
- Location: Denio, NV USA
- Contact:
Re: The Challenges of Cutting a Large Gem Opal Rough
Thanks for sharing. This hearts for both of you KJ & Pink.
I'll jump over my shadow. https://www.virginvalleyopal.com"
Opals & more at my ESTY store https://swordfishmining.etsy.com"
Opals & more at my ESTY store https://swordfishmining.etsy.com"
- PinkDiamond
- Posts: 15600
- Joined: Thu Jun 04, 2015 9:30 pm
- Location: Ozark Mountains
Re: The Challenges of Cutting a Large Gem Opal Rough
Yes, that was way cool KJ, and thanks so much John! I've never seen one like that before. Way cool on both counts.
PinkDiamond
ISG Registered Gemologist
· ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ There are miracles left for you to do .... -:¦:- -:¦:-
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* It all begins inside of you.
ISG Registered Gemologist
· ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ There are miracles left for you to do .... -:¦:- -:¦:-
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* It all begins inside of you.
Re: The Challenges of Cutting a Large Gem Opal Rough
TY John! But... I hope you looked inside there before sticking any fingers in!
~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
Website: http://www.kjmontoya.com
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
Website: http://www.kjmontoya.com
- SwordfishMining
- Posts: 4264
- Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2015 3:06 pm
- Location: Denio, NV USA
- Contact:
Re: The Challenges of Cutting a Large Gem Opal Rough
I did. Lucky we weren't snake bit tho climbing around in back canyon cliff houses.
I'll jump over my shadow. https://www.virginvalleyopal.com"
Opals & more at my ESTY store https://swordfishmining.etsy.com"
Opals & more at my ESTY store https://swordfishmining.etsy.com"
Re: The Challenges of Cutting a Large Gem Opal Rough
I was thinking spider!
~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
Website: http://www.kjmontoya.com
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
Website: http://www.kjmontoya.com