SteveHolmes
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2009
Posts: 1,900
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Post by SteveHolmes on Jul 28, 2007 13:49:36 GMT -5
It's been a while since I have done anything with the Opal pieces I found at the Royal Peacock in June. I got tired of cutting Geodes today and decided to take a slice into one of the pieces of black opal that didn't show any signs of fire. Let me back up here...I took my pieces of Opal I found to the rock shop here in Salt Lake. The owner told me that if there wasn't any fire showing, there wasn't going to be any. I was quite bummed, and he was also not that too impressed with my pine cone. He told me it would make a nice christmas tree ornament. That's why I decided to slice a piece of the black opal today. I was quite suprised after slicing into it, and grinding it down with my 600 grit, that fire started showing itself....and quite a bit of it. In fact, I'm quite ecstatic about the piece!!! First pic is going to be my Pine Cone. I've been cleaning it with a dental pick and toothbrush. It's cleaning up fairly good, I'm just taking my time on it. Fire is showing, and it does show potential. Next pics are the piece of Black Opal I sliced today and ground on. I was amazed at the Fire within....especially after hearing there wouldn't be any. This should be a great piece. Next is a small piece of wood that i've cleaned up. It shows all colors of opal...dark blue, pink, green, and it's one of my favorite pieces so far. After todays lesson, I think I'm going to take my time on ALL my pieces of Opal and not give up on any of them. One question....what do I need to do to keep the water fresh when I start displaying them? Do I use distilled water and how often will it need to be changed? I'm going to buy a glass vile....and put them out for display. Thanks for looking.. Gosh, I love ROCKS!!! Steve
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Post by BuiltonRock on Jul 28, 2007 13:53:11 GMT -5
Those are going to be great! You never know whats inside!! john
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Jul 28, 2007 13:59:24 GMT -5
Great to see that there Steve! Goes to show that you can't really take anyones word when it comes to opal, you really need to check it out for yourself. I'd hold off on doing any cutting on the pine cone, I've been led to understand thatthey are most valuable intact. As for the water display- I've been told a drop or two of bleach prevents algae and fungus from growing (although that was told to me for spenser opal, I'd think it might be a good idea for Nevada stuff too.) But that might not be needed with distilled water, I probably wouldn't change it unless it got cloudy or contaminated.
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Post by ladyt on Jul 28, 2007 13:59:30 GMT -5
WWHHEEAAAAA!!! OPAL!! I think you got a few diamonds in the rough. That looks sweet. Make sure to show them when your done. I just can't wait!! Tonja
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Post by sbreed on Jul 28, 2007 14:13:04 GMT -5
Those are beautiful!
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Post by sandsman1 on Jul 28, 2007 17:21:12 GMT -5
yea man lookin good and seeeeee--- never judge a book by its cover you got some real nice fire showin now and the black background is just too cool
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Post by krazydiamond on Jul 28, 2007 18:05:01 GMT -5
i see the fire inside, too cool. my fishbowls stay algae free with distilled water with a few DROPS of bleach. they do have a cover so no dust/contaminants get in.
i'd keep the pet pinecone intact if it were mine. i'd also think about putting it up on eBay around Xmas time.....
cool photos, Steve! KD
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Post by parfive on Jul 28, 2007 21:04:40 GMT -5
Steve - I'd go with Aquafina instead of distilled cause it's been purified seven different ways. ;D
Your local rock shop guy sounds like a bozo.
Rich
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Post by Lady B on Jul 28, 2007 21:52:37 GMT -5
You have some really pretty stones there but I kept getting distracted as I looked at all the pix. I think you are supposed to grind down the stones--not your fingers. Ouch! ;D
I love the pinecone! And I'm glad you found fire in your opal!
LAdy B
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luv2hound
freely admits to licking rocks
I try & I try, but dang it! Those rocks just keep ending up in my pockets
Member since June 2007
Posts: 890
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Post by luv2hound on Jul 28, 2007 22:27:44 GMT -5
What a nice surprise you got there. Very nice looking stones. Great fire.
~~Mitzi~~
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2007 0:23:39 GMT -5
Steve not only did you have a excellent time with your brothers, you found excellent opal as well. I am no expert but any water to display them in should be distilled. I myself put some of my opal in slight Cl2 water and may have ruined them. Not really sure though. As for your rough, I see beautiful pendants for your wife and daughters if you are able to cab them. The red fire against the black matrix should look really awesome. Thanks for the photos and the guts to cut them. I hope to make it to the Nevada opal mines someday before they close it.
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Post by stoner on Jul 29, 2007 1:56:25 GMT -5
Those are some really fine opals Steve. It's always fun to cut into a stone and find a beauty not seen on the surface.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Jul 30, 2007 10:11:13 GMT -5
Steve-- Wonderful Opal- andyou have learned on of the keys with working opal- Patience!! As fro the water debate- well let me just toss this out there- Clear Mineral Oil???
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adrian65
Cave Dweller
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,789
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Post by adrian65 on Jul 30, 2007 12:35:33 GMT -5
That last piece of opal wood is great!
Adrian
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SteveHolmes
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2009
Posts: 1,900
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Post by SteveHolmes on Jul 30, 2007 17:21:42 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the KIND comments. I still go out and shine the big black piece with my flashlight just to make sure I wasn't seeing things. It's become a nightly ritual since I discovered the fire within. I haven't decided what to do with it yet though. I'm thinking maybe maaking my brothers each a ring. Just don't know yet. It would remind us of our trip out there together. The Pine Cone will definitely stay intact....and the first one that offers me a grand...it's sold! LOL!!! Thanks also for the advice on the water. I think I'll try just a few drops of bleach for now. Now...LadyB...I still haven't figured out how to keep my fingers out of the way of those darn grinding wheels. No, really, I am a sheet metal guy, and so cuts are almost a daily thing...at least once weekly. That ugly finger is one I nearly cut off a few years ago, and now the scar tissue is taking it over or something. It just keeps getting bigger on the tip, and almost like it wants to split down the stitched seam. Before long it will look like a big 'spermy'...how sad! Steve
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onewomanarmy
has rocks in the head
Carpe Silicis!
Member since January 2007
Posts: 645
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Post by onewomanarmy on Jul 30, 2007 18:13:16 GMT -5
Those are awesome Steve - I can't even imagine the thrill that must have gone through you when you saw that fire! I've never messed with opals (actually not old enough in this hobby to say I've messed with anything ;D) but I have seen/read enough on these boards to know that it's a fine art to work with them. Can't wait to see what you do with those!
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Post by texaswoodie on Jul 30, 2007 18:16:20 GMT -5
Steve, great stuff!!
I can afford a dollar and 5 FRB's of Texas wood for the pine cone. I know you can't turn this down, so just send me your address. ;D
Curt
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