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.

[sunspirit]

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