Rough Opal, Ready to be worked! Options

[Denise]

Here is a lot of Opal that was bought, and given to us to work for them.
Im sure they will be surprised what we will be able to do with these amazing stones.

First picture is of the Opals....



This is a closer look at the larger Opal pictured at the top of the first photo....



So far the "Love In Lavender" heart is coming along nicely.
Im going to try to work this one by hand, meaning only with Diamond hand files, wet/dry sandpaper and polishing grit on a cloth. Opal is a soft stone, so this will be easier than workig Agate with hand tools. As you could see by the picture above, there are several white potch marks, and a fracture on the front that needs to be worked out. This is a fantastic stone, and the whole right side has this amazing bright purple rolling flash. The more I work the stone, the more flash rolls right into the left side. I love how the left side has this almost icy look to it. The backside had several surface fracture that I was afraid would go into the stone further, but they didnt. I have been able to clean it up nicely.

Right now the stone weighs 5.4 grams (26.5 ct.), but thats before the polishing. I think Im close to being done with the rough stage though except a little tip fine tuning. Remember, picture is shown of the stone dry after the rough (shaping) stage, so you cant see the color flash, but just wait till its done.
This one sure is going to be a beauty I think!

Front side....


Back side....



It will be fun to see what Dan is going to do with a few he has been eyeing up.

[Denise]

That would be great Mark, I'm looking forward to it.

This finished Opal was pictured on the top right of the rough stones picture. I went with the shape it already was and it turned out pretty nice I think. The green flash rolls across the tip and can be seen from all sides, on the backside as well. Both sides are finished, but this side had the most flash. The black spot on the tip is just dirt. Size is approx. 14.1 mm.