Rough Opal, Ready to be worked! |
Rough Opal, Ready to be worked! |
Apr 25 2011, 05:32 PM
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Master Mucker! Group: Admin Posts: 7,188 Joined: 7-October 03 From: Colorado Member No.: 4 |
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. -------------------- Education is the key to the future,
and participation opens the door to opportunity. Discover your prospecting independence & success! ColoradoProspector.com Owner/Webmaster Core team member ♥ |
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Dec 13 2011, 12:32 PM
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Diggin' In! Group: Members Posts: 47 Joined: 23-August 11 From: Loveland, Co Member No.: 27,483 |
Denise,
It looks like you have some good material there. Being a long time opal cutter myself, I have found super glue on a nail head to work best for any heat sensitive material. To remove all that is needed is to soak in acetone for a few hrs. and they fall right off. (sealed jar, of course) A 6 dwt. finish nail will cut down to 2 mm diameter or so. They can pull off when stuck to the polished side so use a delicate touch. Looking forward to seeing the finished stones! Later, Mark -------------------- Happy and proud Lifetime member!
I can't help it if I have rocks in my head. |
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