First time opal polishing
Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2023 12:38 pm
Hello everyone, I have finally gathered the items and some time to try my hands at polishing my first opal, with PinkDiamond's suggestions.
First of all, I won at an auction the perfect opal to start: The photo doesn't do it justice but it has some amazing blue flashes. The problem is, you could see them only from the smaller side (the one you see in the photo above) as in other sides there was still the matrix. That's why I wanted to start with this one, I thought I would reveal it's hidden beauty.
Also, I actually had two of them, so if I somehow damaged it, I'd still have one. And it was just 19$, lol.
Since video files are too big and I can't post them here, there's the auction link so you can see the opal on video: https://www.opalauctions.com/products/b ... gh-1417924
I got myself a file set for about 20 bucks and started working: Here's the one side after about half an hour of filing: Then I started removing this big chunk of whatever it is: I used the tip of this file to just scoop it away without wasting opal. Anyone knows what it is? I'm just guessing, maybe limestone, or even just dirt?
Here's the result: And here's the side I worked on under magnifying lens: I'm still not done as I want to remove the black spots but since they're pretty tough I figured I might just borrow my dad's dremel
Then I will need to use some nail files and eventually the polish compound which I still have to buy.
Hope you enjoyed, I'm happy to receive any feedback/suggestion, especially on what polish compound to use.
I'll keep you updated.
-Michele
First of all, I won at an auction the perfect opal to start: The photo doesn't do it justice but it has some amazing blue flashes. The problem is, you could see them only from the smaller side (the one you see in the photo above) as in other sides there was still the matrix. That's why I wanted to start with this one, I thought I would reveal it's hidden beauty.
Also, I actually had two of them, so if I somehow damaged it, I'd still have one. And it was just 19$, lol.
Since video files are too big and I can't post them here, there's the auction link so you can see the opal on video: https://www.opalauctions.com/products/b ... gh-1417924
I got myself a file set for about 20 bucks and started working: Here's the one side after about half an hour of filing: Then I started removing this big chunk of whatever it is: I used the tip of this file to just scoop it away without wasting opal. Anyone knows what it is? I'm just guessing, maybe limestone, or even just dirt?
Here's the result: And here's the side I worked on under magnifying lens: I'm still not done as I want to remove the black spots but since they're pretty tough I figured I might just borrow my dad's dremel
Then I will need to use some nail files and eventually the polish compound which I still have to buy.
Hope you enjoyed, I'm happy to receive any feedback/suggestion, especially on what polish compound to use.
I'll keep you updated.
-Michele