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Post by cookie3rocks on Apr 16, 2004 19:22:13 GMT -5
I just saw on Ebay some mexican opals that are sliced "in a rock matrix" As I understand opals are relatively soft, would the opal desinagrate before the matrix? Are the suitable for tumbling? The looked like they would be really pretty. cookie
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Post by cookie3rocks on Apr 16, 2004 21:58:49 GMT -5
Anyone? Even if the answer is "I don't Know" or "Are you Really that stupid" ;D
cookie
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Post by docone31 on Apr 16, 2004 22:06:53 GMT -5
A Mexican opal is a crystalline. It is derived from fossilized matter, and the opalescense is from iron penetrating the crystalline. They are traditionally redish to orange. The matrix is a swirled material around and through the stone. It varies in colour from flesh-white to redish. The opal is extremely hard, facets well. It is not Lightning ridge opal, or Matawbe. It is cabbed like smokey quartz, or agate. It does not tumble well. I have found it to be a beautiful stone, and when set, is complimentary. It is not prized as a gem stone and prices are below 12$ a carat usually. I would be reluctant to purchase slabs unless you are an experienced lapidariast. Slabs polish well on diamond laps and if you wire wrap, I would consider slabs. Wire wrapping might really compliment a slab.
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Post by cookie3rocks on Apr 16, 2004 22:19:22 GMT -5
Thanks Doc. Now I know! cookie
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