Australian Opal patterns explained

[@johnenglish1710]

It’s nice to have an expert explain this without trying to sell you on it at the same time. Don’t misunderstand, Justin’s sells opals and they are very nice, (bought one for the wife for Christmas from him), but the real treasure is the knowledge and experience that he delivers free with humor and humility included for no extra charge.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Hope your wife loved her opal, John. I appreciate your kind words.

[@onthebrightside977]

Very well said John.

[@lavonnacook5985]

I have learned so much since I started watching Justin.

[@Urban_Piggy]

He’s an amazing teacher. And he’s good because he loves his work.

[@frankmundo4300]

Well youtube pays him plus free advertising

[@lavonnacook5985]

This is why I love watching he teaches too.

[@eponawarrior7492]

I am physically disabled and I have been seeking a job I can do before my college loans hit. (I was not disabled when I started college and chose my major, which I can no longer practically pursue.) I stumbled across lapidary videos, and I think the algorithm knows how much I love opals, since you were the second stone cutter I was recommended. I just have to say, your education and your warm sense of humor make my day! You make me feel passionate about the stones and I'm really looking forward to pursuing this profession. Thank you for these amazing videos, keep up honoring your dad and embarrassing your kids lol, these are really helpful and fun to watch!

[@scottcaley6555]

I’ve found a gem more spectacular than Australian Opal... it’s JUSTIN! I’m so amazed to learn all of the things you teach us about opals Justin. Thank you very much!

[@pencan]

someone stole my opal that i had for 26 years. i will never beable to replace it it was white with red green pink beautiful. i watch this show because of my opal. i wore that opal thru a very hard time in my life and i miss it everyday. it is so nice to see the opal on your page.

[@4B4Me]

I know what it's like to lose a beloved piece of jewelry to a thief. I hope you can find a piece of jewelry that you will enjoy and cherish as much as that one.

[@tjr247]

Thank you for so kindly teaching us all you've learned throughout the years. Love you all! ❤

[@nelsonf5508]

Justin your the most knowledgeable opal cutter, nice to watch how you love your craft

[@jeremyjames1289]

You folks have underestimated yourselves. The passion you have with your trade has inspired me to get back in touch with my carpentry. Having done it so long it just wasn't fun anymore and I thank you for this. Next is your patience and the soothing videos I watch. It actually changes peoples outlook on many levels. I hope for many years to come that you continue what you do. You never know what will come of things until you try. Thank you and God bless, Jsjboss

[@sandraaanderud2544]

The more I learn about opals, the more I appreciate them and more beautiful they look. Thank you for your teaching.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you like them!

[@vikeskie]

I've learned more about cabbing just by watching and listening to you than I think I ever would've otherwise. You have such a knack for effortlessly cutting perfect stones, truly special.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad to be able to help Jacob.

[@stevethompson3664]

i must say what an absolutely wonderful collection of some of the best opals on the planet. Thank You for letting us have a look

[@stevethompson3664]

brother anytime you show an amazing opal it is a real treat. Thank You very much

[@grekiely6245]

Justin, thanks for the lesson, very educational. Appreciate your expertise on the wheel.

[@TheYuleTube]

These are extremely valuable videos, for those of us who are newer to it all. Actual explainations are difficult to come by! Thanks so much!

[@deanbuckley2651]

Mate excellent I can't wait to see more of the patterns explained. By far probably one of my favourite videos done by you so far.

[@mphmph1198]

Thanks for yet another inspiring tutorial, Justin. The more that I watch your videos, the more I realize I have a lot to learn. Fortunately, you have a lot to teach.

[@margiebrown7436]

@Black Opal Direct at 5:09 your pointer is at the center of a perfect flower shape.

[@michaelprue9024]

I’m watching this video for like the fourth time, just trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can. And I noticed something; That ribbon pattern stone, just gorgeous for what it is right. But it reminds me of something I’ve seen before while traveling to the pheasant hunting fields of North/Central Nebraska at around 3-4 am in the morning… The Northern Lights ! Every now and then, here in Nebraska, when the conditions are right, and the skies are clear, we get to see the edge of the Northern Lights. We get to see how they move, and the colors, and it can really be mesmerizing. And as I watch the colors move in that stone, it absolutely remind me of that. So cool. And what a name for an Opal LOL.

[@slhue]

Thank you so much for the wealth of information on this beautiful gemstone. Each type of pattern has unique visual effects. Love the "pin fire" type.

[@skoitch]

Ooooh! I like the pinfire mixed in

[@blackopaldirect]

Me too!

[@molecularalchemy7798]

Thank you for adding closed captioning to your videos! This was the perfect video to have captioning!!!!

[@blackopaldirect]

You're so welcome!

[@theopalmills]

Thanks for that Justin, agreed on the Harlequin, it’s thrown about a bit loosely, I was taught the same with the checker board description because nature doesn’t like to produce straight lines let alone a checker board, hence the rarity. The community needs to be informed about these factors that go in to valuing an opal to be able to understand why they’re going to pay, what they will pay. Looking forward to more, thanks again. 🤪👍

[@kimbershulme]

Fantastic video explaining the different patterns.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SubjectiveFunny]

This was an awesome video.. I could watch 3hrs of you showing and talking about every one of your stones!

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@benjaminrettig8094]

Benjamin from Israel, Love your channel. Have learned so much .

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad to hear!

[@sandyposey8074]

I just love the way you say "pattern".

[@brendagaviscrossan5853]

Thank you Justin! Yes, that is very helpful to start learning the patterns! Thank you again for sharing with us! 💙💚💛🧡❤💜

[@blackopaldirect]

You are so welcome!

[@victoriaharrison-sewell6717]

Very interesting. Opals are lovely, but I didn't realise their patterns were so complex..thank you.

[@SummerSetBytheSea]

Thanks for the lesson! I love the brilliant, not hazy, black fire opal, harlequin, as the bla k allows the colors to stand out! Subscribed! Have a great summer!

[@tijhuisjoeri]

Bought my first rough opal yesterday. 36ct as it’s for 30 euros. It had a intense green flash on it and I just needed to know what else is under the sand stone. I don’t have any machines so I am going to do it by hand with sandpaper and leather. Your videos are going to be my guideline. Thanks 🙏

[@ericyriarte1029]

Very good tutorial Justin. Thanks for sharing the knowledge and pointing out clearly the nuances between the different patterns. I especially love the broad flash and "chaff" stones... I had no idea what a arlequin stone looked like... So beautiful.

[@debbiefox6846]

Greet video! Learned so much. That small round pin fire is a Stunner wow.

[@nicolasespinoza131]

Thanks so much for the education. Opal is truly Amazing! Looking forward to seeing your next video.

[@meldaaron]

I love these videos so much and I'm so grateful that you guys added closed captions! 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@blackopaldirect]

Our pleasure!

[@amberty2002]

Must watch this live today. I always watch recorded shows.. Really looking forward

[@ayang802]

Was seeking more vids about diamonds but came across your channel randomly instead and been watching since! Great stuff 💯💯

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome aboard! Thanks so much

[@gabewrsewell]

currently cutting opal right now! by the time this airs, i’ll be at work and wishing i was at home still cutting opals lol

[@greenspiritarts]

So informative, THANK YOU!! I never really liked opals before I came across your channel. Now, after watching how they are "born" (I like that word!) and how personable and individually beautiful they can be I have a whole new appreciation for the gemstone. Watching you release a beautiful gem from a rough nobby is mesmerizing. I'm definitely hooked AND am learning so much! Thank you for your generosity of spirit! Cheers!

[@blackopaldirect]

You are so welcome!

[@matthewkite5110]

I carve Fire Agate. And amaze me. But everytime I get in a zone, im thinking about how lucky I would be If I could sell enough Fire Gate to be able to afford a parcel of rough Opal. And this channel is to blame.

[@reginaromsey]

The last chaff pattern stone! All I could say was Wow! Again and again.

[@brandonringstad]

I have been watching for a while and feel like I am getting used to the patterns. I know it is not the same as years of experience and handling, but it is fun learning about these glorious stones. Thanks for the wonderful videos.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thats great to hear Brandon

[@fmt_Guåhan]

Very informative indeed! Wow, who knew the many beautiful patterns of color that creates this *glorious gem!* Thank you Justin! 💥🌈🌟

[@michaellindsey1543]

For the first time I actually feel like I've got a bit of a handle on opal pattern! Thanks!

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad I could help!

[@topcat8839]

Great informative video thank you Justin. I recall about a year or so ago, the Harlequin pattern gem you cut and polished during a live video. It was so exciting, its my favourite pattern!. Black Opal Direct this video was so interesting, Justin explained the patterns so clearly. Thank you and look forward to next Tuesdays video. BOD is the BEST!

[@blackopaldirect]

Aww thank you again Top Kitty Cat

[@deeluck5356]

This was so educational and fun to watch!! Thank you so much!!

[@blackletter2591]

That ribbon pattern is astonishing. Never seen the like before.

[@nancybuchanan9830]

I have watched your October, 2018 video, and wanted to see what you did with the cut pieces. I haven't been able to find out the follow up video. Do you have a link to it? I'm just loving watching your videos! Especially during this Pandemic, it is so soothing to watch and hear you. Thank you for all you do & how you share and teach.

[@aleksanderpopov5060]

oh yeah! I can not wait!!!!

[@blueyoshi8231]

Thanks heaps Justin, that was very informative!! I've learnt how to work them but understanding what you are working with was something I needed a lesson on. Cheers for that😊

[@blackopaldirect]

My pleasure!

[@karenhanvidge2118]

Really enjoyed the explanations, thank you! I also really enjoyed the stunning array of opals. The sheer beauty of them takes my breath away! Swoon....🥰 Hi from Scotland!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🙋🏽‍♀️

[@dickytsang9350]

Thank you!! Learning a lot from you and look forward to the next 6 months!

[@glennboyd9987]

Hi it's Glenn when i 16 at lightning Ridge about 44 years ago i saw a harlequin doublet sorry if the spelling is bad the size of a 50 cent piece as you said true squares and magical colours come from the garwin fields the miner was asking $5000 for it don't know if got it but I still remember my heart was jumping But good opals will do that to you I watch you cutting opals and are amazed thank you

[@amusingmyslf]

That small pinfire stone looks like a tiny Monet painting! Gorgeous.

[@Clover12346]

Interesting I love seeing the pinks and Ishtar blue mauve colours.

[@sinisterscorpion1331]

I don't know why I haven't searched your channel earlier for this tutorial of learning the different types. Brilliant explanation & examples! They all have their individual attractiveness😍I may have missed it or its possibly in another of your videos but if you so happen to read my comment, which is your favourite Justin?

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mortenolsen3160]

Thank you Justin! So cool to finally learn the differences :-) My favorite is the rare script pattern

[@blackopaldirect]

That one is hard to beat

[@michealklonowski5267]

well done very nice explaining the situation and patterns thank you for sharing ❤️.

[@Matis_747]

This is great, great explanation and beautiful stones.

[@michelleallen5914]

Ive learned my lovely crystal opal is floral pattern. Thanks Justin

[@blackopaldirect]

Wonderful!

[@demiller6757]

Justin, I just want to give a big thank you! I have learned so so much from you over the last 4 years and continue to learn from you! I never was a huge fan of opal, knew nothing about opal until a friend gave me a black looking rough stone with a flash of blue and purple on my birthday 5 years ago. She told me what it was and me being a rockhound who cut and shaped her own stones I started researching. I began to see opal in a different light and absolutely fell in love with opals. I started of with pitch with a hint of color and just now am to the point of working on ones with potential. How do you work through the fear of screwing it up or making a wrong decision? Does that ever go away?

[@scottgallagher9141]

Again ur awesome. it is so helpful this video because it is tough to now all of the patterns now I a great understanding thank you so much and I can't wait to now a little more on pricing of the different patterns it would be so helpful. Again thank you for ur videos 👍👍👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Canuck13]

Wonderful. I thought I could pick a favourite. I did. I love them all! Lol. Beautiful. Thanx Justin.

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha it's too hard to pick one

[@phoenicianstones6977]

You are truly the best Justin !

[@blackopaldirect]

Aww thank you

[@1COMIXMAN]

I can't afford Australian opal but I got a parcel of nice welo opal that has some really bright color from all angles. It's crystal opal and clear not the yellowish color. It was rough so i dont have a grinding wheel so i used a small drimel to clear the sand off and rough ground and then polished them with sandpaper 10k grit. They are free form and I drilled a hole and set a silver drop pendant in the best piece for myself. It about 14mm long by 10 wide and 6 deep sort of a triangle shap. it's a beautiful stone mostly green blue and red flashes. I threw a 28 inch silver Figaro chain .

[@monikachandra2487]

Looked nice green blue 😍

[@ReeceM69]

3:20 that stone is gorgeous

[@tomanycooks]

i really like that second one you showed but that double sided flagstone was beautiful

[@cynthiafarris1051]

Yes this did help a lot and it also answered a question I asked on another video.

[@didisinclair3605]

Holy Dooly, such a feast for the eyes!!! You're a wonderful teacher. And damned cute!

[@crystalmeier6579]

This was so educational! Glad you explained it. Ty

[@SkunkApe407]

G'day from sunny Orlando, Florida! I just discovered your channel and I'm thoroughly enjoying your content. Thanks for sharing!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you and welcome

[@scottloar]

Most instructive and well received with thanks.

[@danniles5256]

Thank you Justin.Very informative.

[@claudialung6195]

Thank you for the video. It really helped me better understand the flagstone pattern. Also, thank you for the subtitles:)

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome Claudia

[@rohantherockwiththerocketh7871]

I found this video very informative and thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@jamesbatten8659]

I could look at these stones for hours , they are truly mesmerising. Could never afford one , I have champagne tastes and lemonade pockets .😂👍❤️🇬🇧

[@Doxymeister]

Such lovely stones, and appreciate the explanation of the patterns!

[@onthebrightside977]

I love this, Thank you this video was super helpful. I see many posts of opals saying that it harlequin when it is flagstone! I had never heard of chaff pattern so I even learned something new. Your channel and a couple other have thought me everything I know about opal so far. Do you have a video that explains how to deal with uneven potch lines? for example, the color on the stone is very good, but the potch that it would have to sit on is wavy or even a stair step.

[@markcharles1041]

Great vid Justin very informative and some great stones too thanks dude.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@markcharles1041]

@@blackopaldirect Thanks for your time and effort it is truly appreciated Justin , you are da man lol

[@katiewood6036]

I love the flagstone with distinctive webbing.

[@Patriot-rising]

When your video goes to the " my family part" and the quick views of some opals you have cut. There are what appears to be pink pin fire opals? Where are they from?

[@sentinel1014]

Amazing video Justin. Thank you so much

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you liked it!

[@magikdust2095]

This was a very informative video. I've heard you say cover pattern in some of your videos, so I would have liked to know what that is as well. I would also like to know which pattern is worth the most. Other than that this was a great video 👍

[@MrInsaint]

Super👍👍👍 I love Opal😁 Thank You for sharing Boss🍻

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you too

[@amorphicdesigns]

I had no idea there were so many patterns! Hope you write a book one day, I'll preorder :)

[@blackopaldirect]

There are many more patterns too

[@coryboatz4434]

Absolutely stunning collection of gems and knowledge. Appreciate the time and effort into the explanation of each pattern type

[@blackopaldirect]

Many thanks!

[@janvafa9959]

Quick question... what is the best way to properly care for opal jewelry?

[@steowen85]

New year new opal videos 💥

[@HugoStieglitz161]

:D:D First of all, thx for all the cool vids. Iam a young dude and absolut new to this. Actually watched a lot of your videos and this was exact what i want to know right now :D Greetings from Germany and keep up your funny, really great content.

[@dennischristensen5892]

it would be nice to know the different values between patterns, can´t wait for the next episode

[@blackopaldirect]

Values are still subjective to the patterns brightness and colors

[@graafx79]

Love it. Thank you! What do you consider Matrix?

[@blackopaldirect]

I'll do more videos on patterns to explain - there's so much to explain in one video!

[@cathifamjourney469]

The gems pink pinfire @ :39 are gorgeous 😍!! I don't remember seeing those being cut. Which video are they from? (If you remember 😉 thanks).

[@blackopaldirect]

I don't video every stone. I could not keep up

[@joeswampdawghenry]

Love the floral patterns

[@gardengatesopen]

I'm going to enjoy this!

[@blackopaldirect]

I'm glad my friend

[@wandagrayson646]

Enjoyed that very much. Thanks, Justin!

[@edt6290]

What is the rareity of the varies patterns? And how does that play into both desireability and price?

[@mikekerr6747]

Very nice explanation mate

[@baffledbumblebee]

Loved this!

[@moisesvazquez8466]

Have a question for you.I am following you here in dallas Texas USA. Like to know if you know where here in dallas Texas can find equipment saw,and the fire device to glued the stone to the wood stick?or from where I can ordered. Thank you for the time you spends teaching your expertise it’s magical. I want to get into that as a hobby.

[@blackopaldirect]

I am not sure but I guess if you google lapidary equipment you might find some

[@billiehydrick6417]

Thanks for the lesson today luv it ,enjoy your service magnificent

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you too!

[@TraumaQueen65]

It's Gollum revisited! You're high-larious, Justin. Meanwhile, I asked on your 2020 video, is there a pattern that is more valued than the others?