160 carat rough opal cut an unbelievable gem. Totally unexpected

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  • Опубликовано: 21 дек 2024
  • Welcome to Black Opal Direct,
    This was the best surprise ever.
    I did not expect this huge rough opal to turn into a gem. To be honest, I thought it was going to be riddled with sand and end up being a few decent crystals.
    As I ground more of the opal away, I realised that it was not riddled with sand as I thought. It was actually a massive gem. Enjoy the process!
    Read more on the blog: blackopaldirec...
    Thanks for watching :)
    Make sure to follow us on socials:
    / blackopaldirect
    / blackopaldirect

Комментарии • 752

  • @laughterman805
    @laughterman805 3 года назад +306

    This is the healthiest gambling addiction I’ve ever seen

    • @kylel8605
      @kylel8605 3 года назад +3

      @@XxWaterStreamxX Yes, this harmless comment absolutely needed your negativity.
      People like you are the reason a lot of good things can't happen and I wouldn't doubt you're the pro mask type of person that has the world still on lockdown.

    • @XxWaterStreamxX
      @XxWaterStreamxX 3 года назад +8

      @@kylel8605 i was replying to someone who deleted their comment, hence why it didn’t say “@chase cahoon” figure it out buddy

    • @cosmiceon
      @cosmiceon 3 года назад +7

      @@kylel8605 “people like you” LOL

    • @kylel8605
      @kylel8605 3 года назад

      @@cosmiceon And you

    • @XxWaterStreamxX
      @XxWaterStreamxX 3 года назад +9

      @@cosmiceon how this went from cutting opal, to me being a pro-lockdown “type of person” is beyond me

  • @josiahcobb5190
    @josiahcobb5190 3 года назад +61

    What a wholesome man, you are the bob Ross of gems.

    • @Idontwannahandl
      @Idontwannahandl 3 года назад +4

      something something, Knob Ross. nearly had something for this lol

    • @jgedutis
      @jgedutis 3 года назад

      It sure looks like he made a happy opal

    • @MDTH2000
      @MDTH2000 3 года назад

      exactly!

    • @EmilyXiong1999
      @EmilyXiong1999 Год назад +1

      I've never had interest in gems of any sort but your videos on opal are wonderful. Opal seems to be a surprise every time. They don't look like anything else and some of them seem like they could glow in the dark. I may not know a lot so I wonder if any other stone is like that or to that degree. Finally, you treat each stone as a gem and you love what you do.

  • @mitch-lawless
    @mitch-lawless 4 года назад +9

    Your videos are my favourite thing to wake up to. Coffee + opal cutting with Justin is the perfect way to start the day.

  • @kohnbonn9744
    @kohnbonn9744 4 года назад +134

    Learned everything I know about opal from Black Opal Direct. Found a passion I never knew existed! Thank you.

  • @bean6045
    @bean6045 4 года назад +14

    My dad and I love your channel during the summer before school we just chill and watch you do your ople cuttings thank you for being hear and teaching me about opal

    • @blackopaldirect
      @blackopaldirect  4 года назад +3

      Welcome 🙏

    • @johngallagher9151
      @johngallagher9151 4 года назад

      This channel is wholesome

    • @michaelbean105
      @michaelbean105 4 года назад +3

      My daughter clearly loves your work as much as the rest of us.
      Thanks Justin for all the beauty you offer, especially when there's so much gloom going on in the world.

  • @diannpowell1077
    @diannpowell1077 3 года назад +12

    I am absolutely gobsmacked! ! The most STUNNING opal ever! I was afraid you would end up cutting too much off and instead I swear it grew! Beautiful, just beautiful!

  • @colt10mmsecurity68
    @colt10mmsecurity68 3 года назад +48

    My dad and grandfather had all sorts of lapidary machines in the garages. My dad and grandfather made some beautiful jewelry out of very large opals, encased in gold. Both were also silversmiths. I remember sometimes my grandfather placed thin layers of quartz behind some opals for rigidity when he made jewelry for my grandmother. Sadly, my crooked uncle stole all of her jewelry when the grandparents died. I remember the machines my dad had, giant rock saws, flat laps, polishers and grinders with carrying Diamond wheels and water “bubblers” to keep the wheels wet and cool. GemTech, Covington were just a few of the names that I remember of his machines. We’d go camping once per month 9 months out of the year, searching and digging for various rocks and gemstones across the western USA. Good times.

    • @tsuobachi
      @tsuobachi 3 года назад +3

      Cool story, thanks for sharing. It sounds like a really nice thing to grow up around rock cutting, polishing, and jewelry making.

  • @marionward5958
    @marionward5958 4 года назад +1

    Beautiful. I enjoy watch you create such gorgeous gems. I did a little lapidary work when I lived in Perth W.A. And my pride and joy was a pair of opal cufflinks I made for my hubby. I am 71now. I no longer can do many of the things I used to enjoy, so I watch you instead. Many many thanks

  • @karolinamura
    @karolinamura 4 года назад +37

    Two words: living dream.
    With those flashy colors that stone is so attractive! Thanks for sharing Justin

  • @sandmaker
    @sandmaker 4 года назад +17

    A magnificent stone... and the cutting was pretty good too!!!!! Thanks for sharing. I didn't think all that sand would come out, but I'm happy it did. Be safe and stay healthy 😷⚒

  • @mcm4981
    @mcm4981 4 года назад +1

    Beautiful piece... this is why I love opal. Vibrant turquoise, greens, and blues just like a tropical beach and her lovely waters. You did her justice...

  • @nathaniachaney-aiello4832
    @nathaniachaney-aiello4832 4 года назад +2

    Beautiful surprise to have that much surface area without sand! Glad you got a WINNER :)

  • @therealhellkitty5388
    @therealhellkitty5388 4 года назад +88

    It’s not unfinished on the back, it’s a “live edge” cut. Stunning work as always, Justin!

  • @EvelynPic
    @EvelynPic 4 года назад +9

    My brain just exploded with the wire wrapping design ideas. Wowzer! ❤️

  • @architectinth
    @architectinth 4 года назад +89

    I am literally thinking "why not use a Dremel to carve out the sand and see what's underneath first." He then takes me to school.

    • @kurtschultz8199
      @kurtschultz8199 3 года назад +2

      Maybe for exploratory needs, but it's the large flats that really play with the light.

    • @vangledosh
      @vangledosh 3 года назад +1

      @Aquatic Ape But no jewler is going to purchase an uneven stone with divots taken out, only a few opal gem collectors will be interested in that. You have to satisfy the people you're trying to sell to, which in this case is jewlers who are looking for a nice even shape that can be seated in jewlery. This guy has been doing this for decades, I'm sure he knows what's best.

    • @geddstock
      @geddstock 3 года назад

      I’m thinking this guy knows more than we do........🤔

  • @dn2817
    @dn2817 4 года назад +22

    That looks so great with a rough side that still has flashes of color and the rocky surface.
    The wonderful perfected side. It tells you a story. When you look at it this stone it almost says, “This is what i look like in the earth when I am first found and here is what was hidden on the inside of me. Just waiting for thousands of years to be discovered.”

  • @brandonringstad
    @brandonringstad 4 года назад +5

    Wow! What a beautiful stone! The more I learn about opal, the more I love it. Thank you for the best content!

  • @ginah.9088
    @ginah.9088 4 года назад +6

    Love love love this! The way the colors change with every little movement is just incredible ❤

  • @adamant262
    @adamant262 Год назад +1

    There something relaxing about watching you cut opal and witnessing the colors come through. 👍

  • @be-bop5307
    @be-bop5307 4 года назад +1

    Wow; the colors are beautiful! Very nice piece. You do some awesome work. Thanks for sharing with us.

  • @janicedyck9212
    @janicedyck9212 4 года назад +1

    It is absolutely beautiful and looks like a lovely pool drawing you in for a virtual swim! Great watch the second time around too!!

  • @wqmanawqke3375
    @wqmanawqke3375 4 года назад +11

    The universe in the grain of sand. Looks like a nebulous star. All thing sing the awesomeness of the creator.
    So breath taking!

  • @abiquiusoap
    @abiquiusoap 4 года назад +1

    Thanks for bringing back memories of my grandfather working with his tools. Love your work.

  • @architectinth
    @architectinth 4 года назад

    When I was a kid, my father purchased a business. I was rooting through the drawers finding old knick-knacks, coins, and whatnot. I realized then my love and excitement for treasure hunting. When I started watching your channel, the look in your eyes brought me back to that moment when I was a kid. The work you do is just that, treasure hunting. I'm sure what you do is full of peaks and valleys but then there's that moment when you find a gem. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

  • @markcharles8950
    @markcharles8950 4 года назад +2

    Hello Justin and the gang , really great vid mate and what a stone thanks as always for sharing and all the best to you all for Christmas .

  • @elizabethwitt2621
    @elizabethwitt2621 6 месяцев назад

    I love that you left the back in its natural state (I was hoping you would while i watched). That piece is not only goegeous but also an excellent teaching specimen as it is so rare.
    Love this channel. I so appreciate Justin's artistic respect for these gorgeous gems. 👏👏💐💐

  • @Paul_Lane
    @Paul_Lane 4 года назад +11

    very beautiful opal almost looks like an open trapped in the stone. Well done.

  • @bigpinkwalrus
    @bigpinkwalrus 4 года назад +5

    Watching your videos is making opals become my favourite gem.. they're all so gorgeous 😍 I need one

  • @morganh9200
    @morganh9200 4 года назад +2

    Wow! My favorite colour spectrum! Nice job!💜

  • @ALPHAGALACTICOMEGA
    @ALPHAGALACTICOMEGA 3 года назад +5

    This is absolutely beautiful! It looked like the offspring of opal and turquoise, especially on the rough side. Keeping one side rough was good; the whole thing is spectacular. An turqopal.

  • @Williameagleblanket
    @Williameagleblanket 4 года назад +13

    That blue in the opal is beautiful.

  • @rogerdavies6226
    @rogerdavies6226 3 года назад +8

    What a thrill it must be to see and hold such a beautiful piece such as this. Truly wish I could do that. Jason if you can, show us what the mounted piece looks like.

  • @rodderpu1
    @rodderpu1 2 года назад

    Justin been following your cutting during the Covid. I make small parts into Mini's and you make a ugly rock into a beautiful gem. I will I could have got to Lightning Ridge when working in Pinjara a few years ago.
    Thank you for your sense of humour and informative videos!!!!!

  • @gregoryboehm7090
    @gregoryboehm7090 4 года назад +3

    Really Stunning piece. Love Opals

  • @BlissfulMoonLapidary
    @BlissfulMoonLapidary 3 года назад

    The are absolutely my FAVORITE videos. From start to finish. I've watched every one of your videos, even your originals and it literally NEVER gets old!!

  • @Fuphyter
    @Fuphyter 4 года назад +1

    WOW..that is stunning! I LOVE opals! When we lived in Long Island, my son was in a student ambassador program in highschool. He went to Australia and brought back an opal pendant for me. He spent 21 days travelling around the continent. He liked it so much he wanted to move there.

  • @tonywild1963
    @tonywild1963 4 года назад

    That opal turned out well Justin. It's got such a beautiful scintillation of blue colours. Thank you for sharing

  • @christiyork7452
    @christiyork7452 4 года назад +1

    Greetings Justin and family! Thank you for sharing. Love that you left the back natural. Be well!

  • @Rookie_Rockounding
    @Rookie_Rockounding 4 года назад +1

    Man, just beautiful, the video and the stone. I love how the sand finished just perfectly to expose that beauty. Honestly loved this. What a piece.

  • @tiressmoke5370
    @tiressmoke5370 4 года назад +1

    I keep catching these within an hour of posting... perfect timing!!

  • @neilstleon6251
    @neilstleon6251 4 года назад

    Justin that color is truly sublime. The most beautiful color in opal as far as I'm concerned. Awesome craftsmanship. Always a thumbs up from me 👍

  • @obake84
    @obake84 3 года назад +1

    Justin - you should do a video on equipment, Id love to start doing something like this but not sure what to get to start.

  • @KanesKUSTOMS14
    @KanesKUSTOMS14 4 года назад +2

    I've binge watched so many of your videos recently 🤣🤣 absolutely fascinating content with such beautiful gems too! Keep up the great work! 🤙🏽

  • @veggiesarefruits
    @veggiesarefruits 3 года назад

    I like this style of video the best! The beautiful light music, the soft words into the mic after the film is shot...this made for an even more pleasant and almost magical experience.

  • @barbaragilbert6444
    @barbaragilbert6444 3 года назад

    Love that you polished up one side and left the other natural. The best of both worlds!

  • @RevelationTwelve11
    @RevelationTwelve11 4 года назад +1

    Another BEAUTY, Justin!!! And another great video too! I truly look forward to your videos - thank you for sharing your work with all of us. Merry Christmas to you and your family, and the staff at Black Opal Direct!

  • @joshuac4961
    @joshuac4961 3 года назад

    Wow, somehow stumbled upon a video of yours, instantly became fascinated and could not stop watching! I had no idea how beautiful Opal was or how much I would enjoy watching you cut, polish and talk about it. Of all the videos I’ve watched so far though, this stone really speaks to me. It reminds me of a beautiful ocean reef where life is peaceful and flourishing, I paused it and starred in amazement for a good 2 or 3 minutes when you showed the final gem! Absolutely stunning, good call I think to leave it whole! Thanks so much for sharing your amazing work and wealth of knowledge with us!

  • @D-me-dream-smp
    @D-me-dream-smp 3 года назад +8

    These more lighter coloured “muted” colour opals are my fave.

  • @theresatrahan6282
    @theresatrahan6282 3 года назад +1

    That's one of the prettiest opal's I've ever seen!

  • @CarolynMcPherson-r3z
    @CarolynMcPherson-r3z 11 месяцев назад

    Such a fantastic camera you have! Every detail is so clear--and so enjoyable to see.

  • @theoneandonlyowl3764
    @theoneandonlyowl3764 3 года назад +4

    Lovely piece. As big as it is for it's value, it's still a trophy piece. Nice work. P.S. I've got to stop binge watching to do other things, but going back through your catalogue of vids is on my list of 'things to do'. I love watching true craftsmen, especially local ones.

  • @Drsploodge
    @Drsploodge 2 года назад

    Justin I watch your videos so much I can watch one video 15 times and still in love/ amazed by the outcome every time you sir are an artist of gems

  • @kiersten1019
    @kiersten1019 4 года назад

    I have to say this might be my favourite stone so far the colour is so gorgeous. I like the subtle blues and green over the really bright reds.
    Love love love.

  • @kiampp
    @kiampp 4 года назад +5

    This one is amazing. I like these semi natural pieces a lot more then jewelry pieces.
    Too expensive for my personal collection but very nice to watch!

  • @browill9
    @browill9 4 года назад

    So therapeutic watching you work. Thanx for sharing.

  • @karenpinson759
    @karenpinson759 4 года назад +4

    Wow! You've done it again, Justine. It is gorgeous. It had a somewhat heart shape to it. Was surprised you didn't shape it on the edges more into a heart. However, it will make a stunning pendant. If I ever win Publisher's Clearinghouse Sweepstakes and become a multimillionaire, I shall be knocking on your door.

  • @Krovahn
    @Krovahn 4 года назад +2

    I really enjoyed the style of this video. Awesome job and an awesome stone!

  • @pirobot668beta
    @pirobot668beta 4 года назад +1

    After watching 3 of your amazing videos, I thought I had it all.
    By the time I had seen 50+ videos, I can say with complete certainty that I know nothing about Opals.
    They are pretty, I like that part.
    They are silica, I know that part.
    But everything in between is a great mystery!
    You know what? I like having that mystery!

  • @nancywhite2014
    @nancywhite2014 4 года назад +1

    Absolutely awesome. Thanks Justin.

  • @arletteelliott6497
    @arletteelliott6497 4 года назад

    Is this process as relaxing as it looks? I have really enjoyed your channel. Keep on making these great videos!

  • @JillUdart
    @JillUdart 4 года назад

    That knobby turned out beautiful !! Great job!!

  • @dionneharris6149
    @dionneharris6149 3 года назад

    I just discovered this channel and I am totally hooked 😱 I know that the deep brilliant colours in stones are the most valuable and sort after but I am absolutely in love with the colours in this one they are stunning..🤩

  • @lynneperg6853
    @lynneperg6853 4 года назад

    What a beautiful surprise that knobby was hiding. Goes to show, don't judge an opal by its outside. Watching you discover and create never gets old. I say create because it takes a true master to coax out the gem inside the matrix. Hoping you and yours have a wonderful holiday season.

  • @1915FadedBelly
    @1915FadedBelly 4 года назад

    That came out looking fantastic. Missed your funnies!

  • @yengvang757
    @yengvang757 4 года назад +1

    Love your videos and your work. This Opal is beautiful just wow, amazing, and always you do great work looking forward to your next video

  • @clantonaw
    @clantonaw 4 года назад

    The exact same is true with bladesmithing. When sanding out grinder scratches from a blade, you go down progressively in grit. If even one scratch is missed or you get lazy about not removing all the scratches as you go down in grit, the finished product will look terrible. Basically like polished crap. A lot of mistakes are made when hand sanding the scratches out. The process can't be rushed at all. Another enjoyable, well narrated video as always Justin. Cheers and Happy New Year!

  • @lindahobbs5545
    @lindahobbs5545 4 года назад

    Wow that is gorgeous. The whole time you were sending that stone changed color. It was blue, then purple, back to blue. It was fascinating to watch! Thanks for sharing your time and talents!

  • @notyourmothersmom1376
    @notyourmothersmom1376 3 года назад

    I just love watching your videos. The perfect relaxing distraction I need right now. Thank you.

  • @steverohlinger656
    @steverohlinger656 4 года назад

    Love the channel.... you do a great job!!! Getting my crabber fully rebuilt right now! Can’t wait for it to be up and going.

  • @thomaspownall2989
    @thomaspownall2989 4 года назад

    You sir, are truly a Man amongst Men. I always feel honored to be able to observe the process as I struggle to learn this arduous and painstaking art of creating something breathtaking, from the literal rock that allowed us to Breathe. I sincerely appreciate you and your wonderful channel, Cheers!

  • @jerrylebreux934
    @jerrylebreux934 4 года назад +1

    Very very nicely done! Love that piece.

  • @joshuacox9605
    @joshuacox9605 4 года назад

    Glad you kept it so nature. Beautiful stone.

    • @elizabeth3527
      @elizabeth3527 3 года назад

      You got the best , of both worlds there , genius move!

  • @paulcrookes4005
    @paulcrookes4005 4 года назад

    Great video stay safe and carry on changing dull items into things of beauty. Have a good Christmas and New year from the UK

  • @tepuitorupop3213
    @tepuitorupop3213 4 года назад +1

    Nice polish i know who to call if i ever need some of my rough opals cut,amazing vieo as usual.
    Have a nice day.

  • @tymeryder7264
    @tymeryder7264 4 года назад

    Seems many life lessons are contained in the opal. Your cutting the nobbies illuminates those lessons. As always thank you.

    • @blackopaldirect
      @blackopaldirect  4 года назад

      Very true. Than you for pointing that out Tyme

  • @michaellindsey1543
    @michaellindsey1543 4 года назад

    One more reason I'll never work in opal. I saw all that sand and thought just cut it up and sell it to the new folks to practice on. . . Yikes! Glad you're the champ and not me!

  • @debrarussell8056
    @debrarussell8056 4 года назад +20

    This stone would make a lovely Heart 💙 Shape..yes I see a Heart of Ocean.. Well Done 👍

    • @RevelationTwelve11
      @RevelationTwelve11 4 года назад +3

      Yes, I thought it would be great in a heart shape too! :-)

  • @amygross5396
    @amygross5396 4 года назад +1

    Gosh ,thats BEAUTIFUL OPAL 😍 💖 💕 ❤ 💗 I've always ❤ 💖 ♥ wanted an opal necklace ! Like on a chain !!!!! Love the color

  • @bubbag9952
    @bubbag9952 4 года назад

    Always enjoy the grind and shine!!! Ty again Justin for your time and efforts and sharing your knowledge!

  • @dylanmeyer6614
    @dylanmeyer6614 Год назад

    Brilliant decision to leave it 'rough' on the back. Love it.

  • @lystentome
    @lystentome Год назад

    I'm hypnotised by the colour and your skills. Awesome 👌

  • @noahproblemo1257
    @noahproblemo1257 4 года назад +1

    What a beautiful chunk, well done!

  • @chadatchison145
    @chadatchison145 4 года назад

    What a beautiful piece Justin! I'm glad you show pieces like this cos it gives me a better idea on how to cut them. Btw, I caught your impromptu upload way earlier this morning (4 am for me) just before I had to gear up and go outside to shovel some snow in -6C weather, not gonna lie I was more than a bit envious seeing you in the pool lol. :)

  • @janicedyck9212
    @janicedyck9212 4 года назад +1

    Great looking forward to seeing this new opal

  • @sharondonelow5364
    @sharondonelow5364 4 года назад

    That stone has amazing depth and color. Great call on how to handle it Justin!

  • @niklazz7037
    @niklazz7037 9 месяцев назад

    Looks like you can make a nice big heart crystal opal out of it. It really looks amazing! great job.

  • @davidlevy9430
    @davidlevy9430 3 года назад

    Thats my favorite style for a big opal. Love the natural look
    All my favorite gems in my collection have matrix
    I can't wait to add an opal like that to it

  • @caroljones1605
    @caroljones1605 4 года назад

    well done, the organic look of the cut is spectacular!

  • @yolakalemowa6519
    @yolakalemowa6519 3 года назад

    just discovered this beautiful channel... can you show us an example of where these beautiful stones end up? like in necklaces and stuff?

  • @1catfishuntermiller753
    @1catfishuntermiller753 4 года назад

    Hiya Justin, dude! You did a awesome job on that so beautiful piece, I love that kind of opal, I really love the way you left its back and sides, but most of all is the pattern in the stone ❤. So beautiful 😍, I hope you and your family and your beautiful helper, have a awesome blessed day. Cheers! Cya!

  • @flyingcheff
    @flyingcheff 4 года назад +1

    Justin, I watched through to the end and wonder why it was so beautiful but you left it as a rough chunck. Is it always about the weight even to the point of cutting a stone for weight (to sell) but it not being really settable because of the shape. Is it cut to be a display yet sold to access the value of the weight?

  • @rogerlyonsjr9302
    @rogerlyonsjr9302 3 года назад

    Hello Justin
    Love your channel. Love opals, I really believe they're the finest gems in the world. If you work on this opal in the future please put it up, I'd love to see the finished stones. I used to facet when I was younger. Wish I had kept my equipment😟.
    Keep on cutting those beautiful gems, and I'll keep on drooling, I mean watching :)

  • @steveclark4291
    @steveclark4291 4 года назад

    Justin , Sir , you never stop totally surprising me with what you bring out something that doesn't look promising at all ! Into a very awesome looking Opal ! Take care , stay safe and healthy with whatever you maybe doing next ! Please have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ! Doing well here in Kansas .

  • @Yeshua73732
    @Yeshua73732 Год назад

    So relaxing watching these stones coming to life

  • @Smallathe
    @Smallathe 4 года назад +1

    Gorgeous work and outcome!!!

  • @jonh8488
    @jonh8488 3 года назад

    this is such a rewarding job/hobby on so many levels

  • @superbad123
    @superbad123 4 года назад

    the sand will buff out Justin :) I love your videos and wish you all the best and happy Holidays

  • @davidleslie1963
    @davidleslie1963 4 года назад +2

    Wow...that stone is incredible. One thing, I lightly round the edges on a 600 grit wheel so it doesn't chip as much. It seems to work well. How did you create the groove on the felt wheel? I have got to do this. Thanks mate!!!

    • @blackopaldirect
      @blackopaldirect  4 года назад +1

      The groove came with many opals but I prefer it not to be there

  • @richardmidson3407
    @richardmidson3407 4 года назад

    That is a huge chunk of Opel. Opel really is so different to anything else you not only get to uncover something that’s millions of years old and possibly incredibly beautiful you also get to express yourself creatively and boi do you create some amazing and absolutely beautiful stones mate 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 much love from the uk 🇬🇧

  • @PsychoKittee1
    @PsychoKittee1 4 года назад

    The colors in this are amazing. I love the cooler tones.