HUGE! 11,000 carat uncut gem opal gets carved to expose the top quality colors inside

[@douglassauvageau7262]

I admire opals above all other gems. The casual commentary accompanying the expert craftsmanship make these videos a genuine pleasure to watch.

[@douglassauvageau7262]

Tell the truth. Do you occasionally pour a dram in the evening and just sip and study this specimen? I would.

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha I have done lol

[@micr0chap]

Nature's work of art. You were right to leave it in its uncut state - an historic rarity.

[@deviousmousey]

as a lapidary that works mainly with fossil materials(dinosaur bones and corals), i know the mental struggle of seeing beautiful specimen that a part of you wants to cut, even though deep down you know you should leave it whole. stunning job with that beast!!!

[@kristiw.1823]

Dwayne is just gorgeous! Truly a museum worthy piece. The work Big Z did on it truly seems to honor the fundamental nature of opal, which feels like something your family is all about. Thank you for sharing the mental and physical journey you went through, Justin!

[@muzzamoose]

I love the polished grey quartz along with the blue, green opal the contrast is unique.Leave it like this please.

[@nancypiros9133]

Absolutely amazing to see Dwayne the rock all polished and left a one beautiful piece! So glad to see it wasn’t cut up Justin. Many times it’s the best to see on the natural state. Especially Opal mixed in Quartz. Truly a one of a kind piece Justin . Thanks for sharing.

[@GodsGanja]

Thanks you for keeping Dwayne the way he was born, perfect as can be.

[@Kolikondriu]

A piece worthy of a great museum… Really spectacular.

[@melissaandjosh6210]

Dwayne is beautiful. The amount of tedious work involved to get it to this point is mind blowing. Well done Big Z and Justin

[@timothydawson3836]

Dwayne The Rock has never looked better and that flash of red you get when you turn him around just hits you, to me he’s now perfect 👍🏼 🥰

[@MichelleLovett-e9o]

I would find someone that does great woodwork to build up a beautiful cradle or stand to display it!! Its one of the most beautiful rocks these eyes have ever seen

[@billbowden74]

This is what you get when passion over rides greed. A very beautiful specimen that is in safe hands. 👍

[@obsidianrosestudio2663]

It fills me with such joy that you left Dwayne as such a large specimen. He is beautiful beyond measure!

[@raymason3583]

So, I have a rock tumbler and thought I was doing really with my little hobby. After watching the beautiful transformation of that opal, I’ve decided to take up carpentry . Awesome job.

[@amberandrews6842]

Dwayne definitely didn't need to be chopped down into smaller stones. That is absolutely beautiful. I have lots of pretty rocks that could be cut, slabbed and polished, but they are beautiful as they are. Some might wind up worked, but some won't as long as they are mine.

[@foolishus]

I normally don't comment on videos anywhere, but this was absolutely stunning in the end. Great work.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you 🙏

[@shownowt]

thanks for ruining the ending for me.

[@patriciagregorowicz8141]

Wow! Stunning. Thanks for sharing 😊👏👍

[@m1sterj237]

I really enjoy these videos. Really nice work.

[@irenedavo3768]

@@blackopaldirect 60 years!

[@johnshite4656]

As someone who has never cut or polished a stone, I agree. Leave as is. No cutting. That thing is beautiful. Great museum piece!

[@louisevallack7233]

Whilst I can't imagine I'll ever be present to hold Dwayne, I just wanted to say it's a wonderful gift that you are giving people to allow them to hold this amazing earth treasure.

[@tonysansom]

Stunning piece, Justin! I think you did the right thing, leaving it whole. Having a large rock with patches of opal in it shows the natural character of the minerals as they would (apart from the polish) be found. Opal gemstones are stunners but none show this. I also think the cracks in the quartz are pretty in themselves.

[@Pbav8tor]

We just spent the weekend at the Puyallup, WA Show. Thank all of you who do these shows. You bring us stunning natural beauty from all over the planet. Nice folks, too! Family friendly!

[@cydniedonat7635]

I love that you let this piece be, without having to make it something it never was. I'm in awe of you, sir. Beautiful specimen.

[@dougruebsamen3970]

The polished host stone is gorgeous also. I'm so jealous.

[@cathifamjourney469]

Yay, Duane the Rock made his debut! He's absolutely amazing!

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha thank you yeah he back and looking good

[@nickfrost9771]

Hello friend. Amazing piece, spectacular work... If you pause your video at 8:03, it looks exactly like a human like face. The darker part being the mouth and the beautiful exposed opals at the top being like a crown. I would strongly suggest going with that theme and working on that to complete this, what in my opinion, will turn out to be a masterpiece worthy of a museum. I'll be staying tuned. Well done...

[@chrisknauss6727]

I can appreciate the mystery of this stone too. You made the best decision.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@tracyjohnson2992]

That piece is outstanding a stunning piece of Quartz and Opal i agree with you Justin leave it alone this needs to be left as is it is twice as impressive as it is.

[@patriciachirgwin3238]

Opals are my favourite stones, and have been for decades! I love watching the videos to see these treasures come to life. What artistry! Thank you for sharing your skills with us!

[@carlbirgermller3925]

G'day Dwayne, I'm Danish and lived in Melbourne many years ago. My youngest daughter was born there and my eldest daughter finished first grade there. Therefore I think the best gift to my daughters now, is something Australian. I'm prepared to invest 20k AUD for similar value opals, if I also get the cutting story on KZbin. If you think this could be a win-win please let me know. Be Carl

[@chestnut1279]

to me opal is the only stone. i'm a woman but never felt one iota of pull toward diamonds or any other stone. just opal

[@cherylburkitt9722]

Thankyou for sharing the mysteries of Dwayne. What a beautiful friend you have there❤

[@buckyes6749]

Super cool! A museum might really appreciate that !

[@thepostofficeprince8819]

Na they hate million dollar gems

[@EllenKlever-c7k]

I agree: beauty over money....a natural work of art. How moving. ❤

[@michaelwoodyard309]

This is one of the most awe inducing pieces of beauty I have ever witnessed, mother nature at her finest!

[@middi6]

Ohh I want it 😍 opals aways been a favourite of mine mum said its too much antiques road show as a kid but I love them.

[@carpingwithcarson]

The most colourful part of the opal looks like a heart , beautifully polished piece.

[@scottishwifie14]

Justin you and Marty have turned Dwayne into a superstar opal. He would win an oscar😂 You have got the right balance between opal and host rock it’s stunning. The opal I work on is tiny in comparison but everyone is beautiful. Dwayne is the big daddy of opal.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@nickfrost9771]

Hello friend. Amazing piece, spectacular work... If you pause your video at 8:03, it looks exactly like a human like face. The darker part being the mouth and the beautiful exposed opals at the top being like a crown. I would strongly suggest going with that theme and working on that to complete this, what in my opinion, will turn out to be a masterpiece worthy of a museum. I'll be staying tuned. Well done...

[@Monk-eee]

Dwayne is a breath taker that's for sure. I appreciate your words and thoughts at the end of the video and I agree. Sometimes the mystery and the not knowing what's inside makes something all that more special and valuable. I hope that Dwayne always stays how he is now- whole, magnificent, magical & mysterious

[@rebeccaingram6873]

That Opel is Awesome!! Sooooo Pretty, I've got several jewelry in opel and Black Opel ring. Love that Stone!!

[@Nick-cb8cd]

Simply amazing! Theres not enough words in the world to explain how special that stone is. Maybe its because the silica opal molecules were in an unfamiliar, nontypical environment being quartz they rounded up as much support and brought all the cousins and extended long lost aunties and uncles to make a good environment by sheer size.

[@jimhunt4425]

That would bring a tear to Aaron and Greg from the dragonfly claims eyes. Magnificent

[@JeffBrazeel-fe4wc]

WOWZERS!!!! BEAUTIFUL OPAL!

[@bendale1732]

I've recently caught the old 'opal fever' and this piece has just blown my mind! Absolutely incredible and thankyou for sharing

[@blackopaldirect]

You are so welcome!

[@tazattk]

I originally thought you were going to cut it up, but after you cleaned it up and produced the final product, I am happy you didn't. What a fantastic, beautiful stone you produced. Great job; great video!

[@faith2691]

Thank you for sharing the journeys of these crystals and the philosophy you aproach the cuts and life with. I really appreciate your warm, loving, gentle and kind energy and the community you're drawing together.

[@dinoklein]

What a beautiful piece! I've seen Dwayne pop up every now and then in other videos, but I never imagined it would be so stunning! Great work!

[@markstopkey4085]

You definitely made the right decision! Beauty

[@johnnieantler58]

I’ll look forward to the Tucson Show next year. Hope to see you there . Remarkable specimen, you rock Dwayne, literally...Bravo🇺🇸🙏🏻💪🏼

[@adamnwizard]

Wow 😍 what a big ol' beauty! It looks like a giant crystalline heart!

[@gregoryguitars6291]

Whoaaaa! That's one matrix that I'd love to be trapped in. Exquisite work, man. I'm gobstopped!!!.

[@blackletter2591]

Dwayne is a great representative of Earth isn't it? The bright and the dull, the muddy and the brilliant.

[@terryhunt2659]

This may seem over-whimsical, but I'm mentally picturing this piece against a starscape as an inhabited asteroid, with the lights of its domed cities and hydroponic farms glowing into the cosmic night. Thank you, Justin, for the continual interest and calm your videos gift me.

[@Vile_Entity_3545]

A very interesting imagination you have.

[@mayorofduckburg5189]

Props for the imagery! I can now picture a Logan’s Run-esque future scape with this

[@L3GHO5T]

Absolutely beautiful as always

[@yvonnemccarthy4957]

Absolutely beautiful! Although, I have to admit I'm dying to see what he looks like on the inside. Kudos on your respect for the Rock as he is.

[@talonsilverhawk5763]

Right if I owned it I would have been so tempted to go all out and maybe leave my hand print of quartz on that smooth side if I really wanted to leave some quartz and name it the hand and heart and vains/veins (if I could not get all the quartz out triple play on words vein) of the opal cutter

[@HHGLowBob]

Absolutely stunning that big chungus. I still remember you trying to carve it with a Dremel and surrender 😂 glad you prevailed 👍

[@MichelleLovett-e9o]

Incredibly beautiful and stunning u were right not to cut it up some things r better left together!!!

[@skwervin1]

That is just stunning..... I am speechless....

[@pattiehanan1356]

How fabulous! Thanks for showing off Dwayne! So wonderful that you led with your heart and that Big Z enhanced your opal friend so beautifully by not cutting him into individual stones and polishing him up! Maybe someday I'll get the chance to hold him too!

[@patriciawolanski3458]

Nature’s creations are amazing. The artisans on this project to be able to draw out the beauty and mystery of this piece are truly gifted.

[@miditrax]

Thanks for showing us a chisheled and buffed 'Dwayne' the rock

[@kitandsons173]

Beautiful! Even better that you kept in a mostly natural state.

[@clayfeathers]

I love opals like this! Amazing!❤

[@cathyhagen3143]

In so glad you are keeping a it is.... It is sooo beautiful!!!!

[@Darryl_Frost]

Simply stunning, and what a calming video to watch.

[@davidsanders3028]

Wow, that's beautiful and amazing. Very unique and interesting piece.

[@someguy-k2h]

Yes! A carving. Thanks, Justin. This is such a unique and amazing piece. I'm glad you brought in an expert at carving to make this the best possible speci. All that said, I look at the obvious chunks of opal sitting in this and wonder what it would look like if you chopped it up. You might have 3-4K carats of gem quality opal. Forget I said that. It's sacrilege to even think it.

[@blackopaldirect]

Hush your mouth haha🤣 but true that

[@mawi1172]

I love your sensitivities. Only a sensitive person could make that.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@susanturcotte3176]

Justin, I have no words. Speechless! How can anyone describe such a unique, magnificent piece?!? Well, I just used two words....but they are not enough. Give Dwayne a hug for me!

[@abelpolanco]

Justin , I’m speechless ! 😶💙💚❤️💜🙏🏼

[@michaelpinreno]

Dwayne is beautiful and very deserving of only being uncovered as much as he has been.

[@bethzaidagarcia81]

What a gorgeous piece Justin

[@jennamagill9]

WOW, I'm mesmerized. This is really special.

[@julieannmatthews3639]

Thank you so much for your & big Z's Sterling effort in bringing out the sublime beauty of "Dwayne". A piece that will go down in history as an one off specimen.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it Julie

[@kam70111]

Gorgeous piece. Congratulations, Justin.

[@viscountalpha]

Have you considered a large light underneath it just to light it all up? As much LED light as you can pump into it without warming it up?

[@RufotrisRootedRockhound]

Really love the way this came out! Y’all did a great job and it’s beautiful the way it is now as a specimen piece. I really hope you bring it again next year so I can not only meet you but get to see it in person!!

[@gavinstrachan929]

Awestruck Justin!! That’s a museum piece! Priceless!❤️

[@haleycomer112395]

that’s absolutely beautiful. prize piece!

[@explodedstarmonkey]

Glad to finally see an update on this. Agreed it shouldn't be cut up. I think you may still have a good bit more color that could be exposed though

[@ashross5860]

The whole time i was thinking of what kind of beautiful sculptures you could make with that, but your words at the end really touched something in me. Yes, as a gem cutter you trade in gems and to a degree have to set aside preference for factual value, but sometimes, rarely, a specimen can transcend its place in a business and remain firm in the palace of passion. A rancher, for comparison, may see pleanty good heads of cattle pass to the slaughteryard, and be content that his work will produce fine beef, but every once in a while a calf can be born and grow into such a bull, the notion of letting it be anything other than a beautiful animal feels wrong, not because the steak wouldnt be the best, but because chance and nature rarely produces such a gift that even the most profit-driven cant deny the gratitude. Truely a stone to be experienced

[@scrappydoo7887]

That's an incredible amount of beautiful bright colour in that specimen 👌 Excellent piece and a job well done 👍

[@ARC.475]

Wow 😲😳 Dwayne is now more magnificent than ever, a very stunning piece! Lucky are the people who can hold it!

[@TonyLoechte]

Was great to re visit this video ❤❤❤❤

[@niliberl7560]

To have that kind of magic in ones hands ...and to expose that magic with the magic within ones self is a grait gift . Thank you bouth

[@mikefriend1514]

Opal as jewellery is stunning in itself but obviously these tend to be small pieces. There is something about the lustre and mass of ‘Dwayne’ which, like a bar of gold allows the senses to run riot! Big Z has brilliantly succeeded in keeping the whole looking like a beautiful natural rock. A labour of love with a stunning outcome.

[@RexSkittles]

Such beautiful colors! Very nicely done and I know that was a lot of hard work! Thanks for sharing with the world and preserving such a specimen!

[@dalewier9735]

Wow that's stunning. I have always loved opel and this is the most beautiful I have ever seen! Thank you for including us in the process. I wish I had know about this being in Arizona, I would have found a way to come from Texas to see it.

[@hawaiiangunner]

That was a giant crystal opal! Thank you for sharing! I can't help but have the feeling but there could be something even more beautiful under the quartz. I think I would have removed more. I understand why you didn't and respect it but I can't help but want to see what's under it. Definitely would never cut it up into smaller stones

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes and that is the cool mystery

[@BeneathTheGold]

If you took off more rock it may turn out that it’s not all one big piece which could potentially negatively effect the value. I think not knowing for sure whats under there is better as you hope it’s all just one single huge lump of opal but It might not be. It could be a few seperate chunks just held together by the quart.

[@hawaiiangunner]

Of course it could be. Or there could be the most beautiful pattern never seen before. But I don't know anyting. You guys are the experts

[@BeneathTheGold]

@@hawaiiangunner I’m no expert. I don’t have a clue. 🤷😂

[@hawaiiangunner]

@Happy Bee lol me too, but I LOVE watching this show!!!! Never miss a episode!!!

[@gregparks1785]

That’s absolutely gorgeous and I’m glad you’re leaving it whole.

[@blackopaldirect]

That's the plan!

[@Brian-uy2tj]

Opals really are very beautiful and that is just amazing. It looks great with the quartz polished up a bit too.

[@N0013Scientist]

there are just no words to describe such a beautiful thing! I'm in awe!

[@baabaabaa-El]

Nice as a specimen mate! Some good colour for Andamooka, l can see why he didn't carve into it for 60yrs, lve never seen any rough in quartz. We had a big chunk of Boulder, great colour, but a lot of it was thin seam....so it was dads paperweight!

[@creepage1]

Man are opals beautiful. I have no idea why anyone would want diamonds or sapphires or other gems that just look like stained glass or regular glass. Opals are the superior gems.

[@JulieWallis1963]

I have to agree. It’s such a beautiful piece of rock.

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

What a stunning piece. Great work between you. Dwayne is one hell of a looker!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you kindly!

[@smittysmitty4681]

Tucson ? As in Tucson,Az ?

[@blackopaldirect]

yes

[@nielsmeijerink1367]

For me this is the universe staring back at us! Unbelievable and breathtaking. Great job!!also in the decision to keep it in one peace.

[@kimetherington2252]

What a beautiful Opal specimen Dwayne The Rock is! I'm so glad your keeping it so close to natural as you can without destroying it! Build Black Opal Direct museum and display is with all your other beautiful Gems in your collection, so millions of people can see what Mother Earth has given you! Til next time take care and be safe...

[@redeyestones3738]

The ad at the beginning of the video was a commercial for the mandolorian. It starts off, "there's a great parcel..." 😆

[@blackopaldirect]

lol

[@PsychoticAmbitions]

:,) it's great to see the growth of Dwayne. Technically, you're breaking him down, but it's necessary to sculpt him into a beautiful, unique person... I mean piece! Your videos always hit me. I know it's the music and the whole point lol but since I started watching, I'm always inspired to be like Justin.

[@William_Borgeson]

Wow, that is gorgeous and I am so glad that you left it in the state that you did. Dwayne is unique, and I'd love to hug that thing! Nicely done folks!

[@exidy-yt]

I had almost completely forgotten about Dwayne the Rock! What absolutely stunning work, I wish I had been able to get down to Tuscon this year. I hope I get to hold it some day. Big Z did some quality work for sure. Your faith was not misplaced.

[@VendettaProspecting]

man been waiting a couple years or something like that to see him opened up more!! amazing!! wow looks like a flower in 3D

[@deborahschell9176]

Absolutely gorgeous. It's more beautiful that it's in it's original form I think. I love rocks and minerals, I collect them. This would be a dream...

[@Heartwing37]

I LOVE uncut pieces! I think the look is so special!