$20k gem black opal emerges from this uncut rough opal

Welcome to Black Opal Direct,
Today I didn't feel like having my gut plummet to my stomach, so I got my hands on a promising piece of rough. This piece did not disappoint.
We ended up with a beautiful gem-quality black opal with some insane color and pattern. Here's how it happened.
Read more on the blog: blackopaldirec...
The 5.08-carat opal: blackopaldirec...
Thanks for watching :)
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/ blackopaldirect
/ blackopaldirect

[@mollynakamori]

I don't think I've seen you do one any prettier than this. Seeing you bring these beauties into the world for the first time is pure magic.

[@jimbo92107]

Beautiful opal, Justin. May you dance many times this year.

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha thank you

[@conradswinston4468]

@@blackopaldirect We are waiting for it ;0) You bring fun and Joy to all of us . That is why we love you SIR !!!!! Especially now in the difficult time with the corona pandemic, YOUR videos are calming and refreshing for the SOUL !!!!! Thank YOU SIR and GOD BLESS YOU and YOURS

[@phatvegan1691]

YES dance dance dance!

[@tch4874]

What a sweet comment

[@svengieszler3317]

@@blackopaldirect ,, Osmium '' Rarest precious metal on Earth

[@russianhomecat3313]

This is a galaxy opal. The pattern is magnificent!

[@warwickscram5925]

The dancing cracks me up every time.

[@cathifamjourney469]

Awards for: making me laugh🏆 For your dancing ability 🏆 And for making the beauty in opal shine!! 🏆

[@KuraiTsuki]

I think this is one of the prettiest opals I've ever seen. So many colors and such a pretty pattern!

[@lovecara1]

You dance to your hearts content mate, that was so awesome to watch how that stone turned out.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you 🙏

[@jenitamoore925]

I really enjoy watching you cut a beautiful opal out of a stone that has its own beauty in it

[@lastlight4252]

All of my favorite things: opals, humming birds, other bird iridescent plumage, Morpho butterflies, crystals, glitters, prisms. The PURE color just delights!!!

[@Jo-yp8wy]

I would love to own a piece that has sand in it. They're still lovely. THANK YOU for always putting a huge smile on my face. I am always so happy for you when it turns out to be a good, valuable gem.

[@lastlight4252]

Me too!!!

[@tkondaks]

Good point. The ones with sand are still beautiful! I wonder whether Justin ever sells opals with sand spots that are impossible to get out. Is there a market for them?

[@zioncardman18]

@@tkondaks I've had this exact same thought!

[@tonywild1963]

Such a beautiful opal Justin, love the flashes of pink and purple in it. Great to see you dance, it's good when things work out well. Thank you for sharing

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Nice to win one against the damn sand! It's been a rough ride recently for you, but this one is a lovely turnaround. ✌

[@gibsondrummer]

If someone thinks they “want to get into cutting opal” They should start with a couple of used wheels from ebay and try shaping and polishing agates and quartz cabochons before they even consider spending any money on rough gem quality opal You can grind $$$$$$ right into slurry without even trying hard A basic knowledge of the hardness and cutting qualities of the different “species “of semi and precious gemstones is needed first

[@nunyabizness199]

Thank you for the advice. These videos are driving me batty...🙃

[@michaelmacgeorge1082]

You can practice cutting on agates, etc., but if you want to cut opal, practice on opal. You can play with other material at your leisure for fun, but none of it cuts like opal. You can buy potch and color pretty cheap plus you will be getting the feel for what opal does. You will also be presented with every imaginable issue you would have with gem quality and learn to deal with it and not have anxiety about the $. I went through over 5 kilos of low to mid grade Lightning Ridge opal seam and nobbies that cost about $4k as my educational sacrifice. I ended up with many nice gems and a high competency in opal cutting. I actually made money selling some of the stones, so it was better than free. Of course the actual cutting is only part of the education. You need to know how the stones are used in jewelry so they can be set and other details, but if you're motivated it's fun and rewarding and possibly lucrative.

[@adibonts]

the pandemic has brought me to binge watching your channel. Thank you sir and hope you are safe and healthy. cheers from the Philippines!

[@tootsie3612]

I love the victory dances. 😂

[@valeriesollenberger2631]

What a gorgeous dark opal! I love the rainbow of colors in it!

[@marlenekutcher938]

I am thrilled to see my birthstone being such a range of beautiful colours. Happy 60th year in business. 🇨🇦🎉🎊💝

[@mtnvalley9298]

So beautiful! I love opal, and even more because of your efforts here. Thanks to you and the crew!

[@blackopaldirect]

That’s very kind thank you

[@HoelgaardDK]

Have a feeling I'm going to enjoy this one

[@blackopaldirect]

You might lol

[@Jo-yp8wy]

Always!

[@EricMLopez]

Did you enjoy it???

[@ludwiggraupe7571]

Always enjoy it when a Beautiful Stone like this one appears under the Potch and Sand. He is a Master at his work!

[@kimlorton3002]

Is is such a amazing stone! I think, because I was a nurse for 35 years, the skill and sensitivity involved in cutting opals, fascinates me. It’s like watching a doctor operate, and for an amazing surgeon, absolutely it’s the skill involved, but it is also the intuition that’s part learning and skill, and an eye for the potential.

[@onevalewa1131]

Gorgeous stone. Love the whole process and ... Especially the dancing🤩

[@alisturkericmacnanty159]

What a beautiful stone Sir. As always, a joy to watch you at work.

[@MichelleGarcia-ic3ei]

Thankyou I love learning about opal. It’s become quite a new passion for me!

[@carolmatlock436]

That is a beautiful stone.

[@silverback5033]

Justin, there is not much you can say about that one, it is “awesome”. Congratulations . Keep Safe & Keep Rockin

[@cathifamjourney469]

Justin, it never ceases to amaze me at the beauty you are able to pull from the opal! Good grief thats up in my top 10 stones for sure! You are most definitely a master in your field. Just want to let you all know how much I personally enjoy watching your videos, I will never tire watching you work your magic!! Hello Melinda and all 😁💚

[@erichazell6876]

You got me into opals. I'm a farmer and have never been into stones bought first opal month ago. After my long days I have a beer with dinner and watch you cut opals. More beautiful than a diamond. Opal is My favorite stone on the planet I never knew of them till I stumbled onto your channel

[@michaellindsey1543]

That will put some fish tacos on the table! Well done my friend!

[@blackopaldirect]

That it will haha

[@zippygodogs]

Fabulous!! My opal has sand & potch. They said its a semi black. Love to watch you make beautiful art. Just breath & relax.

[@Doxymeister]

I catch myself holding my breath when you cut opal! Then when the lovely fiery colors emerge, and an outstanding gem like this one comes out of the sand, I'm able to breath again. Outstanding!

[@robbsmith3900]

I love the anticipation and the delight in finding that gem!

[@blackopaldirect]

It’s pretty cool huh

[@Luther777Williams]

Beautiful piece Justin! I’m amazed at how nimble your fingers are turning a small stone like this. I don’t know what your wheel is made of but it’s amazing how your fingers float a fraction of a millimeter above it. Thanks for bringing another lovely gem into the world! 👏🙂

[@jenilocke8255]

Gorgeous stone, masterfully cut.

[@nackenbeisser]

Congratulations, Justin, on this beautiful gem! After they've been trapped in rock and dirt for millions of years, you finally free those miracles of nature - it must be so wonderful to see them coming to life. Thank you for sharing this with us. ♥️

[@thomasmiller6799]

Amazing stone Justin!!!! Great job 👏 👏👏🙌🙌

[@DonovanMcM]

Awesome video guys. Love the editing. Keep up the great work.. And as always another STUNNING stone.

[@wilsonrawlin8547]

Very beautiful stone Justin! Amazing how complex the color bars can be on top of each other and so close together.

[@chrisblue4787]

WOW !! What a cool pattern. That is a beautiful stone. Another awesome video by Black Opal Direct. Much love from 🇨🇦

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Chris 🙏

[@ThatOpalGuy]

I do so enjoy watching the beauty emerge as the grinding progresses. I also try to guess if the sand or potch will disappear or grow. I also try to guess what you will do next as you appraise the progress of the budding gem. I'm slowly learning, vicariously, how opals can behave. Someday I hope to be able to afford to cut some myself and learn the knowledge that you have so freely given all of us. THANKS JUSTIN! Nice win on this gem.

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome Don. 😊

[@caseybishop9642]

I Love seeing the production value go up and watching your channel grow! Looking forward to seeing your future opal endeavors!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks so much for noticing :-)

[@markf5653]

What a extraordinarily beautiful thing. Words fail to convey how marvelous it is to look upon.

[@janetsmith5279]

Beautiful beautiful stone. Well done master craftsman.

[@debraanchante3661]

Justin that stone is gorgeous!! But my favorite part of this video is seeing you so happy and doing your happy dance. Love it!!

[@blackopaldirect]

haha.. thanks so much!!

[@jennalou85]

Yeyyyyy so glad you danced... I could sit and watch you for hours, I sigh with disappointment when I see sometimes how short the video is, but still I love to watch it, seeing that stone & colour take shape is amazing XxX

[@btdarterschannel112]

Really cool, Justin!! Thanks for taking us along on your journey!! 😃💎❤👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome

[@jaynehorn151]

Gorgeous! When I look at opal it reminds me of the vivid bright colours of the outback, sky, land, vegetation and waters.

[@GlazzedDonut]

Justin I absolutely love your videos. Opal being my birthstone is my favorite stone and the stones you finish are breathtaking! Congrats on that 5k gamble that one was a beaut!

[@jakeo1209]

It's so much fun to watch these videos. More, Justin. Please, more.

[@irenemariebelanger3758]

You have such a joyful personality that it is contagious! You can give master classes in cutting and refining stones . Beautiful stone. I am happy for you!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much 😊

[@garyhenderson7332]

Beautiful colors in that stone. Great rub Justin. That sand didn’t ruin it after all. Absolutely beautiful.

[@topcat8839]

Ahhhhhh the dance is back!. WOW what an incredible gem Justin. Thank you and Black Opal Direct for this video, love the gem, and its fantastic to see you happy and dancing. Look forward to next Tuesdays video.

[@lindahobbs5545]

That is an absolutely amazing stone! Congratulations!

[@abeeslife1688]

Love you Justin! God bless you and your family! So happy I found your channel! 💗

[@deanerhar]

I love the idea of the jar for the opal that doesn’t work out well! I wonder how long it will take to fill.

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha that depends on how much opal I get at the time

[@deanerhar]

@@blackopaldirect I just finished watching, great episode! I must say, I really enjoy and appreciate how much the content of your videos have increased in creativity and talent. They were already a joy to watch, but every month you gift us more!

[@mikeb.7722]

Couple years, maybe 1.5 years at most is my guess. Might be even quicker lol.

[@mikeb.7722]

@@deanerhar amen.

[@julienichols4188]

Very pretty! The sun was shining bright and it was a warm day, so took some rough opal outside and admired the colors. Isn't it amazing that something so colorful has been created underground millions of years ago and we are fortunate to be able to enjoy it now? BTW, what did you ever decide to do with that huge chunk of opal you started cutting a year or so ago? Would love to see an update on that one sometime! Thanks for all you guys do to create quality videos for us!

[@be-bop5307]

OMG it's so gorgeous!!! That's amazing. Just look at all the colors. That deserves a couple of dances.

[@thomasloanwolf]

you know every time i watch you do your magic and as the stone is coming into shape and the colors are just popping all over and to see the finished piece i just melt!! just wanting to do what you do has a professional. please don't stop its Absolutely gratifying to watch you make something that looks like nothing to a one of a kind piece.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Thomas I’m glad you enjoy 😊

[@marciahellen5740]

It looks like three different stones as you move it around, each one is lovely! Love watching you do your magic!

[@glenjones5416]

Maestro, absolutely over the top. One of your best ever. Stunning gem, worth every penny.

[@annermel9121]

My favorite opal that I have seen you cut. Brilliant!

[@minimouse7890]

Beautiful video, Justin! Beautiful stone too.

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@jackiecarter7815]

That's beyond beautiful! Amazing gem cutter!

[@pygmyharborfarm]

Thank you Justin for the wealth of information you share about opals! I don't ever plan on cutting opal however I do love Opals! I enjoy seeing what you find in each gem!

[@blackopaldirect]

My pleasure!

[@Engbob123]

Always happy to see you dance, Great looking opal. Congratulations

[@christivbosch565]

Excellent work, excellent channel, excellent music. Love every stream. Thank you for sharing your talent with us all here to see. 😊

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you for the kind words and for joining!

[@coryboatz4434]

Just got my own cabbing machine delivered and assembled. Been inspired over the past year to start cutting my own cabs. Thanks for sharing these awesome gems with us!

[@dr.peppers89]

I don't know how I found myself here...but I'm happy I did! I don't know anything about opal or gems but opal is now my favorite 😆 great craftsmanship and great dance moves! 🕺

[@illinoiswildz5049]

Wow, when that thing started flashing, I knew it was something special!!!!

[@adamh.2791]

This is honestly one of the best stones I have seen thus far on your channel. The amount of different colors in this stone is insane and must be really rare.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed

[@vassylem3969]

😂 The Happy Dance!!! I love it. Beautiful stone!

[@stevecobb6001]

WOW just WOW What an amazing job you have done! Greetings from North Wales in the UK.

[@dandraffkorn855]

Keep making us all smile. Love watching the Video's. Enjoy!

[@georgiewalker1069]

Another gorgeous Opal. Love watching your skilled hands, thanks so much for bringing some colour into my lockdown day. Best regards to you and your family from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@bobpaup4222]

What a beautiful 💎!!! Great job cutting I happy for you, Thank you for sharing.

[@carltuckerson7718]

Most beautiful one I've seen you cut I think. That is amazing.

[@conradswinston4468]

Dear SIR. I am starting three weeks back with watching YOUR videos. And i love each of them. Your bring us the black Opal near. And from this time i love the black Opal. And today our little Girl saw YOUR video too. And she felt in love too with the Black Opal. Ava - Maria loves the rainbow soooooo much, and YOUR processed opals remind Ava very much of the rainbow !!!!! Justin. Thank you for having such an infinitely nice and love aura! You polarize enormously. There are not many people who polarize as much as YOU SIR. We are really looking forward to YOUR videos and live videos !!!!! Kind regards from Germany near Cologne Ava - Maria Winston and hole Conrads Family

[@blackopaldirect]

Hi Ava-Maria and family - I'm happy you love the rainbow rocks, I love them too!

[@abelpolanco]

Love the stone really I do , and no ..... I’m not laughing at you saying you’re not dancing 🕺........🤔........🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Keep up the awesome work Justin , I can’t wait for the next time ! 🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼

[@amygross5396]

Another ,BEAUTY 😍❤❤ THANK YOU FOR SHARING

[@lunkerjunkiestv186]

Very nice! I love those galaxy looking opals! Beautiful!

[@GrotyGold]

Beautiful Opal, Great work and cheers for sharing.

[@hakon87]

idk whats better your floss, or your sprinkler, but what an amazing stone!

[@blackopaldirect]

I think I’m better at the floss hah

[@hakon87]

@@blackopaldirect haha the sprinkler is pretty lit though!

[@hishameldeeb3074]

The amount of videos I saw of you cutting and talking about black opals made me get into black opals and move away from my obsession with Yowah and koroit opals. You are awesome mate and your videos are good source of information and always fun to watch. My collection of opals are getting bigger now :) I also have been cutting and polishing for sometime now so I have a few good pieces that I've put aside ( hoping they go up in price in the future ) Thanks again mate and all the best ☺

[@ValerieP75]

That turned out beautifully!! Thank you for sharing again Justin.

[@riles37]

Wow, that is one beautiful gem. So many beautiful colours within it. This one definitely calls for a dance

[@metalgear1977]

I cannot believe you worked your magic on that stone, I watch Aussie opal hunters all the time and I thought you got ripped off big time but you worked your magic on the wheel, well done mate 👏🏻👍🏻🙂

[@sandmaker]

Beautifully finished stone. I'm always happy when it turns out spectacular. I don't know who is doing the camera work, but cudos on them. It was film worthy. That said, the dance is the best!!! Be safe and stay healthy 😷⚒

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha thank you Randall great feedback

[@leto7789]

woah, Justin. that needs to go in to your personal collection. that is SO BRIGHT.

[@lindastanton762]

Beautiful stone. Love watching you cut these stones.

[@michaelpaulos420]

The last one was my favorite. What a beautiful stone

[@Djdelev]

Absolutely beautiful. Great job nature and you.

[@outdoorsy01]

Stunning stone! Nice work.. and great dance moves 🤣

[@blackopaldirect]

Lol thanks I think 🤔 😆

[@maryhumphrey3002]

I love watching you bring out the beauty in every stone. That looks like the earth.

[@joseph7173]

Loved the cutting music! Very hypnotic....

[@iseeyou736]

You've done it again. Another beautiful opal.😊

[@thomaspownall2989]

Was just given a 68 year old Frantom cabbing machine. Still works. Doing a full restoration job on it. Always inspired by you sir.

[@blackopaldirect]

Awesome!!

[@DONDONDON865]

Since now i was allways kinda skeptical how u grind i never did it but it looked so hard to me that u grindslide into the middle but in closeups u see how pro are at ur work u do like u gem it to perfection with every move it’s satisfying and ur channel will grow big because u know what u do and u create a kind of art beacuse its you! i freking love it keep on that work and effort u put into your videos i just love it and i will stick around forever !

[@ginaspazz135]

I love watching how your on screen personality has developed since you started! You used to be pretty calm and straightforward, but it seems like you're getting more comfortable in front of the camera! Great to see more of your personality coming out! 😊😊😊

[@blackopaldirect]

Yay thank you for noticing ❤️🙏

[@MrPennsu78]

I enjoy watching your videos very much. Very educational and relaxing to watch. Everything I know about opal is from watching you. I saw some pineapple opal for the first time and was absolutely amazed. I was wondering if you could do a video on them explaining more about them. Plus can you even cut them or would it even be worth it cuz they are beautiful the way the are. Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day.

[@margaretlynch1494]

This opal looks like a world you could walk into! Just love it.

[@lindahendry843]

so beautiful..always wanted one..am 74 now so ..lol Waiting on heaven as there will be opals all over I hope. Wonderful gift of talent you have!😊

[@juanvelasquez4682]

Your videos are always fun to watch. Congrats on another great opal.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you 🙏