Rough Opal, Ready to be worked! |
Colorado Prospector - Gem and mineral prospecting and mining forums > Prospecting, Mineral Collecting and Treasure Hunting Forums > Gem and Mineral Specimen Finds or Processes  |
Rough Opal, Ready to be worked! |
 Feb 2 2012, 07:13 PM
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#16
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 Moderator  Group: Members Posts: 4,459 Joined: 25-August 09 From: way on up thar Member No.: 6,983  |
 BEAUTIFUL!
-------------------- /l ,[____], l---L-OlllllllO- ()_) ()_)--o-)_) BLACK SANDS MATTER! Very Happy CP Lifetime Member CP CORE TEAM Referral Code CE213 |
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Feb 3 2012, 01:29 PM
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#17
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Diggin' In! Group: Members Posts: 47 Joined: 23-August 11 From: Loveland, Co Member No.: 27,483 |
Mrs. CP,
Very nice! One thing that works for me on thin pieces is to make a doublet. Cut the back so it is very flat and clean. (if there are any inclusions on the back they will show through the stone) Cut a piece of black material (also flat) and epoxy the two together. Then cut off the excess edge and polish. This should give the appearance of black opal. Great flash over a black background. For the back piece I usually use black jade or black onyx, but a very opaque obsidian will also work. I have recently aquired a piece of opal from a new source and I will post the finished piece when I get it done. The attachment is a scan of the stone, I hope it comes out . (I am not much of a computer guy) Size is 7 ct. and I hope to get a 50-60 % return. Later, Mark
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Feb 3 2012, 06:50 PM
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#18
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 Master Mucker! Group: Admin Posts: 7,187 Joined: 7-October 03 From: Colorado Member No.: 4 |
 Thanks guys!!Hi sunspirit, very good information. This piece started off pretty flat on both sides so it would also make a great triplet. For a triplet, one would need a clear piece of quarts to place and glue on top to achieve the dome shape. I love inlays so I was thinking about using a black Opal or Jade cabachon as the piece it's inlayed into.  You did great with the picture upload Sunspirit!  Thats a fantastic piece and I'm looking forward to seeing what you make from it. 
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