OR Turning Chalk into Precious StonesAndamooka matrix opal: Strictly from the sense of its physical formation, all opal is formed in cavities of opportunity. Sometimes the cavities are large as in 'slides' or 'levels' which produce thick solid slabs; sometimes...
The following story was written by the man in the picture above, our long time friend Uncle George Bucholz. See another story by Uncle George You have probably read a lot about the Aussie way of treating Matrix Opal and I am sure it is a great way to do the material...
by Michael Ferguson A few years ago, a woman fell in love with a beautiful opal ring on display in one of the finest jewelry stores in the world. Her husband remembered it and a year later, secretly bought it for their wedding anniversary. On that evening, to her...
This article was written by one of our customers who is an opal cutter and investor. It offers an explanation for the intrinsic value and market price for the opal. In the Beginning... Many books and stories have been written about the opal, how it is formed and where...
Perhaps the most inexpensive way to enjoy the beauty of the opal is to buy what are known as 'triplets'. A triplet is simply a very thin slice of natural opal, sandwiched between a clear glass or quartz cap, and a plastic or stone backing. The clear cap magnifies and...
by michael ferguson This is a story of a few stones from a truly noble parcel of opal, from their discovery, through the cutting process, and ultimately onto the shelves of a fine jewler. There are pictures and movies along the way, as well as a little commentary......
Consider that we're in an extremely arid region, and even though it has rained lately, only the surprising amount of vegetation and bird life gives clue to the unusual 'wet'. As soon as the wind picks up, the dust blows into every pore of your body, and when it only...
There are several methods of mining the opal, and Australian Opal Mines has chosen to employ a 40-tonne Komatsu excavator. It offers perhaps the safest method, as well as the greatest versatility.In this case, the 'mine' is a horizontal cut made by the excavator,...
The most appealing side of living in the outback, is that the people really fit the picture you see when you hear that parts of Australia are like living in the '50's here in the US. There are seldom any written contracts...and an honorable person is given the freedom...
At the invitation of Murray, I spent almost three weeks in the opal fields of Coober Pedy, mining with Murray's son Kent and a wonderful old miner named Milton.MurrayKentMichaelMiltonMurray picked me up at the Adelaide airport, and we spent the next day getting ready...
by michael ferguson This is a story of a lovely lady who had the idea that in this time of poor economy, the opal might be a good investment. Being new to the business, she found a jeweler who agreed to 'broker' the stones for her to the gem market. Browsing the...
Perhaps the most inexpensive way to enjoy the beauty of the opal is to buy what are known as 'triplets'. A triplet is simply a very thin slice of natural opal, sandwiched between a clear glass or quartz cap, and a plastic or stone backing. The clear cap magnifies and...
The following story was written by the man in the picture above, our long time friend Uncle George Bucholz. Uncle George is currently in Australia for the third time in October 2004. He is now 81 and arrived with his 81 year cousin. They rented a mobile home or a...
by michael ferguson Whether you're a professional or amateur cutter, whether you buy your own gear or cut for others, you cannot put a stone to the wheel without thinking : Someone is going to wear this stone ! Who will wear it ? What interesting people will see it ?...
I had no idea what kind of a path my opal experience would be like when I bought my first opal rough from Murray Willis in 1982. If someone would have told me that I would have some of the best times of my life, and I would visit and make friends with miners and opal...