Rough Opal

Rough opals conceal dazzling beauty, a hint of which is revealed by dipping the stone in water (as the sellers do; your rough opal(s) will arrive dry). A basic saw blade and good polish are essential to revealing the beauty of a rough opal, as are patience and time. If polished correctly, some opals reveal a bright fire colour. These dazzling colour bars can be rubbed away if polished too roughly.

Opal-cutting lapidary machines are available for purchase but may not be necessary if you can make your own.

Rough Opal can be sourced direct from opal miners and wholesalers/dealers. It is available from all the major Australian opal fields: Black opal rough from Lightning Ridge; Boulder opal rough from Winton; Quilpie, Yowah, Koriot, and Crystal opal from Coober Pedy; and Ethopian and Mexican rough opals.

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Related Categories	Rough Opal, Allans rise opal, Allan Rise Opal Rough, Parcels Boulder Rough Opal
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Last Update: 3 Jan 2011