Is my black opal a true Australian black opal? how to tell

[@susannesamuelsson2930]

There's nothing wrong with Ethiopian treated opals if the are advertised and sold as such but when you try to sell them as Australian black opals it's immoral and a great fraud. Thank you Justin for the information and if I ever should have the money to buy a nice opal I will buy one from you!

[@blackopaldirect]

I like Ethiopian opal they are beautiful and you are right.

[@ertanbalkir8670]

I need to buy opal row can you help me suppliers please

[@leban9958]

@@ertanbalkir8670 yes

[@ertanbalkir8670]

I need opal babe ❣️

[@lorenrobertson8039]

I agree with you. I too wouldn't buy from anyone but Justin.

[@subvertedworld]

The thing I love about this channel is that I've been watching so long, I can tell the difference no problem. I know opals so well from the education I've gained here I know exactly what I'm looking at. I can't price them, but my guesses are often close. Sometimes I'm way off, but I know exactly what I'm looking at, and I know when I watched a whole video to get teased by the beauty of that fantastic gem quality Australian opal for all of four seconds, lol. What a ripper!

[@blackopaldirect]

I am so glad you have learnt ❤️

[@bartoszczechowicz5372]

@@blackopaldirect We all have learned.

[@timothygilchrist1132]

Great channel, great information and I can’t wait to start cutting my jars full of Australian opal.

[@gdheib0430]

Funny was at a jewelry store in NJ and taught the jeweler about opal while I was there and explained to him in detail the opals that he had...he did have a really bad green Ethiopian opal and he was pretty sad when I told him what it was. Also had a ring opal with a natural crack right through the middle was pretty odd it was set in a ring looking like that.

[@blackopaldirect]

@@gdheib0430 the chances are the stone may have cracked after setting. Some opals will do that from various places

[@veganbutcherhackepeter]

I have caught opal fever ever since I watched my first video by you. I make jewelry and I want to eventually try my hand on a genuine Australian opal, from raw stone to finished jewelry. Every single time I am watching you I am getting better at looking at the stone you are turning between your fingers and predicting where and how you are going to attack it next. And when I feel that I am ready to "go in" myself, I will definitely buy from you, mate. Thank you for your awesome work and teachings. ❤️

[@mygreatescape9617]

I just ordered a pair of black opal stud earrings I can not wait to get them, I'm learning a lot from you thank you kind sir

[@t2fast]

Way to put this reminder up... I know we have discussed this in length before but it is always good to remind people every now and then to be vigilant.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yeah Toby I believe it’s important as we have had some Australian sellers even selling this stuff as Australian opal. Everyone needs a reminder or a wake up call

[@dherman0001]

Hey! Perfect timing. I'm in my mine with a wireless repeater. I put some pictures up. I would buy opals from one source only and that's you mate!

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha wow that’s cool

[@kimconley4679]

It's so sad that there's so many crooks in this world. So many people get taken advantage of all for greed. Thanks for the information. Hopefully you will save someone from falling for this scam. Keep up the good work!

[@blackopaldirect]

Some sellers don’t even know they are selling treated. They just assume the person selling to them is right

[@Stanley-xd1gf]

Good morning Justin, I'm from Brazil; My late father was a miner of precious stones, and also an excellent cutter, like you, he loved chrysoberyls, tourmalines and many others, even extracting aquamarines weighing more than five kilos. He did not become rich, as he had to sell what he extracted to support his family. Interestingly, the car he loved the most was the GM Opal. Thanks for bringing me the best memories of my dad.

[@blackopaldirect]

Aww how nice ❤️

[@Stanley-xd1gf]

@@blackopaldirect Thanks Justin.

[@DivesALot06]

Thank you so much for this video, Justin! I was looking up and down for ways of telling apart australian from ethiopian opal for a while now and this video was spot on, and very easy to understand! 🙌

[@ellea3344]

While this personally benefits Justin's business, he is doing a GREAT SERVICE for anyone considering a black opal purchase. Much appreciated. I've personally bought black opal from him and it's the best purchase I've ever made. Just ask my wife.

[@blackopaldirect]

I am hoping this benefits all people and businesses

[@nancycurtis7315]

Thanks Justin. That was brilliant. Clear and easy for beginners to understand. No jargon to confuse the issue. Bet you just saved a few headaches from happening.😀👏👍. Greetings from Dimboola.

[@josh7702]

Thank you Justin. Your willingness to share your knowledge needs to be commended. Absolute Legend!

[@astro8bit]

There's a saying in coin collecting "Buy the book before the coin". Basically, become as informed about a subject before making a purchase. I've always thought not only to make a better purchase, but to better enjoy all the things that make what you like special. You are our book. Your descriptions and explanations... and dancing, help to inform us and appreciate and enjoy Australian opals that much more.

[@blackopaldirect]

❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@valeriesollenberger2631]

Thank you so much! I aspire to buy a nice gem someday, I’m so thankful someone is out there trying to help us not get scammed into buying something we don’t want.

[@michaelbean105]

Everybody should know that what they're buying might not be what's advertised. Justin is a vast source of knowledge through his many years of experience with Australian opal, and these videos are a must know for anyone who wants to ensure they're getting what they're investing in! 😎

[@JuanitaHarrisMissHarrisinParis]

I think after hanging out with you for the last couple of years, I don't know that I'd trust anyone else. But this information is good stuff.

[@thomassiglin4987]

Thanks for a very important lesson. I especially liked when you presented a real Australian Black Opal for comparison to the fakes. I would have liked to see examples of the real thing as opposed to the imitations for each difference you pointed out. You are always so informative and I really enjoy your videos. I would love to take a trip to Australia some day, but for now your videos are as close as I can get. Thanks again!

[@comradekahn3163]

I’m constantly calling out fraudulent opal across many social media platforms- from synthetic to Ethiopian treated stones it’s a huge issue! I love Australian and Ethiopian opal for different reasons, I cut and sell both and it’s a shame to see the distrust. Much love thanks for sharing!

[@blackopaldirect]

Yeah mee to. well done

[@mirrabookagems8504]

I went to a gem fest in Caboolture and got kicked out because they were selling Ethiopian opal as Aussie opal. This is a really serious problem too many people are trying to shaft everyone for a pay check.. A really great educational video Justin, I hope this has informed many so they don't get shafted in buying opal. Thanks again mate see ya on the next one

[@blackopaldirect]

Sorry to hear mate

[@silverback5033]

Hi Justin, good information for anyone purchasing opal, I have heard of this problem but wasn’t aware how wide spread the issue is. Keep Safe & Keep Rockin

[@victorlaw5828]

Just had my second delivery of BOD Opals via Fed Ex. Excellent service with a personal touch. The gems are everything I wished for. Truly beautiful. My wife is a happy lady. If anyone reading this intends to buy opal do not bypass Justin and his 'crew'. They have proven themselves to me as honest and true. Thanks folks, from Ireland.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Victor. You are very kind

[@GreggBB]

It is unfortunate that there are some people who are willing to lie, cheat and steal from others in this business and every other business. Thank you for providing all of us very useful information.

[@JS-sf2ni]

I've been gifted som small cabs that aren't properly sized and the tidbits you have provided are amazing and I am sooo greatful for the knowledge shared as I got my 5 for free as a gift of a friend who has an amazing collection for oregon in the USA it's remarkable the color and the way it looks vs some of the lesser valued stones you have shown in example im not sure what value they hold honestly but the ones in this case were re-gifted to my mother who loves opals and its quite neat to learn about them I wish I could meet you in person and go find some new stones and get a better idea of how this all works in hands on type setting but here I am rambling on and on...THANK YOU!! I'll be sure to watch more on this one and try to learn better about the stone and possibly put up some of the findings if I have any one day .....hopeful for the future but this is amazing knowledge

[@melissaandjosh6210]

This is very appreciated. Worse case scenario is when a legit seller decides to manipulate the good will they’ve earned and sell something they know isn’t what they are advertising. Hopefully this will slow that down

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes and much of the time even the sellers don't know what they have

[@melissaandjosh6210]

Black Opal Direct very true.

[@vincentfortin1923]

Justin, if I have to buy any kind of opal im gonna go with you 100% because 1st: you have the most ridiculous beautiful collections to sell. 2nd: I can feel you doing what you really love in your life. 3rd: the time you take to explain in detail what you really doing in your video, to your community. 4th Pretend to be not the best in the industry (unless you are :p) 5th: Your honest fascination for australian opal and your familly histoiry around this gems Justin I have to say sorry but if I want opal I know where and Who asking for! Just a G.O.A.T in opal 🔥 Which you the best for this New 2022 year! 🙏

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Vincent

[@redbeardreturns3550]

Good thing the only site I've checked out for rough opals has been your site. I'll be on my opal journey soon.

[@mikkohernborg5291]

A very handy video for those who want to learn how to tell. Absent some kind of authority to certify dealers, this is probably the next best thing. When it comes to these kinds of money, having fakers around that exploit the market is sadly unavoidable, but the best remedy is an informed consumer base. And that’s where you putting in the work is greatly appreciated!

[@aarond844]

Really glad you’ve posted this video. You’ve made it clear that we’ve fallen prey to this sort of scam. We had a ring made from an ‘Australian Black Opal”. I think my jeweler was scammed also honestly. It went sort of clear after coming into contact with water. We spoke to our jeweler and they’re going to work with us. I’ll be sourcing a stone from BOD, which will solve the problem and we’ll have a new setting made.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you got to clear up the issue. Thats the main point of this video

[@Jillloveszumba]

I was just looking at black opal on eBay when they came across your video. I think you saved me a lot of grief ultimately. Thank you so much for making this video and how timely was that? Informative and helpful video. Great work!

[@aikibaby]

I love stones and crystals. They are beautiful gifts from nature and their beauty cannot be faked. Trying to fake any crystal is an insult to nature and it reveals bad character in the person who thinks he can improve on nature. Thank you for explaining this whole thing. From all your videos, I’ve recognized a deeply honest, respectful, and respectable man living with nature in its true and beautiful form. You’re doing a great work.

[@kaylajade9478]

Thank you 🙏🏻 I was sold an “Australian Black Opal” ring from a small crystal business, the stone fell out so I had a peak at the entire thing and noticed it is probably treated Ethiopian Opal. It’s nice to learn about these things though, and I still really love my Opal ring. ❤

[@jackier4698]

Like the old saying, “if it’s too good to be true, it’s not true” I would only buy from Justin, so that I could say “Justin cut this for me!” Great advice ☺️

[@obieobrien5883]

I am SO glad I have made all my opal purchases from a very reputable company! Yup YOU, Justin!!

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏🙏

[@obieobrien5883]

@@blackopaldirect , Justin, I shared this link on my Facebook page.

[@obieobrien5883]

@@blackopaldirect , Justin, I shared this link on my Facebook page.

[@Doxymeister]

Thank you, Justin. Because of your videos, my son is considering purchasing a black opal for my daughter-in-law, and I forward your videos to him. This video ESPECIALLY will end in his in-box, I want my daughter-in-law to have the best. Thanks again!

[@blackopaldirect]

Hopefully some money is saved in the process. Glad to help

[@saralynn518]

I tried writing your store to hopefully message you about a rough piece of "possible" Australian black opal I found online. I was interested as a rockhounder and a love of pretty things. I figured it's got to be a scam. I am not familiar with opals enough. This video helped a lot, but didn't address buying rough specimens. Someone at your store kindly deflected me and said I could pay to have my stone looked at. Well, I haven't bought it because etc lol. If I did buy it, I would be taking it somewhere. It was just a thought to reach out since you're the only and best (!) black opal specialist I watch. I still haven't purchased it. My theory is that if it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is. I dont have good luck like that lol.

[@x13-t7o]

HONESTY ... love that stuff ,love this BlackOpalDirect too!

[@blackopaldirect]

I love it too. I have to love all opal. I just don’t like dishonesty ❤️

[@jameslund2658]

Justin Mr. Politzer (pops) covered this very subject also. It's very good of you to share knowledge and help people understand matters like this sir.

[@glennsmurthwaite8270]

That was a great video Justin and great advice to all keep up the great work. I'm a long time subscriber and watch you all every week cheers, Glenn.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Glenn

[@vipercreatchure1766]

I love the integrity of this man he is awesome i love his products and the information he shares

[@blackopaldirect]

Awwww❤️🙏

[@FirehorseCreative]

Sorry I'm tardy. Trouble on the homefront that couldn't wait. Really generous of you to further our eductions not only on gemology, cutting and polishing stones, but also ways to go about avoiding fraud as well! Very grateful to you Justin! Excellent information which can easily be put to good use! 🎼🙌🏼✨💎

[@xdeductx4424]

Hey Justin, Awesome video as always. Would love to see a video on the stayish mine black opal from ethiopia, its again different to all the rest of the opal from ethiopia

[@justintrussell7739]

Brand new subscriber from Texas. It's really good you're making videos like this. I'm looking to make my first purchase of a black opal, I'm glad I haven't bought one yet

[@blackopaldirect]

Just be careful and do more homework :-)

[@trance_dance3080]

I think you can remove the additives in the opal with some acetone. GIA was able to remove purple dye by soaking them for several days in acetone. But because acetone with evaporate very quickly I think putting it directly in water for a long soak after the acetone before dying will help keep it from drying to fast and cracking. I don't know if this will work with every additive but I think I'll get some treated ones and experiment with them.

[@mariabaker8464]

Thank you Justin for sharing this. Some of us don't know the difference. I didn't know the difference. I know with any opal I wear, I treat it like pearls. It's the last piece I put on and the first thing to take off. I wonder if the same applies to Oregon opals? I have a few rough Oregon opals that I want to turn into wearable pieces of jewelry. Thank you again for all the information you share with us. You have sparked something in my husband. He wants to polish some opals himself. As we, my husband and I, share opal for a birthstone. Many blessings to you and your family. We enjoy your videos and dancing!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@thehorde9798]

Hello Justin. My name is Cameron. And I live in the western US. I'm a bit of a rock fanatic and I have found a very interesting specimen. I would like to know if it is common opal and can't find anyone to get a straight answer from. It is black, orange, and white. It isn't opaque, has conchoidal fractures. I would like to send you a few photos.

[@janehonda4073]

Thank you so much for this video, Justin! I was waiting for it. 2:09 Do you know who should I look for to treat Ethiopian opal, so that it actually doesn't take on water?

[@sueparras6028]

Thanks so much for the heads up. I would love to get a black opal and now I know much better what to look out for. You are a wealth of important knowledge.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Sue

[@andrewlidums3491]

Hi Justin I have just started watching your channel... just wonderful!. On treating Opals I presume they can only treat a cut and polished stone to darken it not one in the rough??

[@blackopaldirect]

They have darken in the rough too

[@jessicaallison8981]

I’ve been eyeing a black opal lately but you’re right, it’s so intimidating to buy gems nowadays!

[@Jackaroo.]

I appreciate your insight on this topic! There are lots of shady people trying to sell colored glass or Ethiopian opals as Australian Black Opals. Origins and treatment information are definitely a must when buying gems, as are reputable and trustworthy dealers. If it sounds too good to be true, you're probably being scammed.

[@blackopaldirect]

true

[@kadiejones4097]

I live in the US, and went to a massive liquidation sale a local, highly reputable dealer was having because they are retiring and closing the store. They had BEAUTIFUL opals for 50-70% off, but the rep sadly couldn’t tell me if they were Australian or Ethiopian (she was just volunteering to help the owner with the rush). It wasn’t even labeled on the price tag. Sadly, but unregrettably, I didn’t buy any of them. I was thankful for their honesty. Question: Are there certain tints that are more common in Ethiopian opal vs Australian? A number of them had a yellow, almost orangey tint while others were a bright white.

[@blackopaldirect]

Its too hard to say without seeing them

[@philgallagher1]

Justin, this is fascinating (and disgusting!). People have always, and will always do anything to try to con others. I am very pleased to see you producing a video like this, to let everybody know what scams are out there. Would it be possible for you to show these again, but side by side with the real thing? I think that would make it even clearer if we could look at one of your genuine, exquisite Opals right next to one of the "fakes". Just a thought, but if you don't think it would help, at least we can always go to your site and see the "Real McCoy!" Keep up the great work, mate! Cheers from Liverpool, England!

[@devolutionist9008]

Thank you. This was very informative and helpful!

[@grimfandango76]

Justin I have seen honey comb from the ridge, a miner and cutter friend of mine, pattern isnt as distinct as welo opal but it is honey comb pattern.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yeah me too but not very often

[@t2fast]

If anyone has a purchase that they are suspect of please feel free to contact me. I am happy to give your opal a a thorough check to guarantee whether it is what it is stated to be. I am sure Justin can back my knowledge and ability to do so.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes for sure Toby you have been around opal long enough to know.

[@ResortDog]

Hiya Toby!

[@t2fast]

@@ResortDog ola!

[@Rose61234]

My husband bought me a black opal necklace in Australia and now since watching this worried its not as it seems. Its a solid stone, blue and green and you can see the pattern on the back. What worried me is that it turns amber when light shines through it and it is indeed see through. Is this a give away that its fake?!

[@t2fast]

@@Rose61234 even though it shows amber when candled it does not mean it is not a real black opal and as for pattern showing on back it might just be a double sided opal as a lot of black crystal opals are.

[@mattjackson1279]

My friend also got caught. It makes me sad that these auction houses sell this stuff and happily refund your money ,only to sell it again as black opal the next week to someone else.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thats very sad

[@sandmaker]

Thank you for the great tips. Fraudulent stones are getting harder and harder to detect. You have the best solution. By from a reputable vendor. Thanks again. Be happy, safe, and healthy. 😷⚒

[@LCNWA]

That is why they can literally can evaporate in front of your eyes! So make sure its stated its been treated b4 you buy & where it comes from? Justin Mexico has fire opal but they are just that colour & doesn't liquify right?

[@blackopaldirect]

Some of Mexican does but on whole its more of a stable opal

[@LCNWA]

@@blackopaldirect Good cause i have some! whew!

[@tonywild1963]

That's really good advice Justin, there are so many gems that are faked and so difficult to tell. Thank you

[@blackopaldirect]

Some can be really difficult to tell especially for the unsuspecting

[@larryerkejr6408]

Well said. Imo the Australian opal has more sand or natural inclusions that Ethiopian seem to never have. Justin is spot on. I cut both and Australian opals colors just show differently.

[@kevgermany]

Thanks. Really appreciate this. I found the video of the water changes hard to see what's happening, any chance of making this clearer in a supplementary video.

[@m.s.2926]

Good info for buyers. I smoked my Ethiopian opal bit while watching the video where you did the same .. cracking fun...

[@Lordoftenticles]

Would love to know where to get some of the equipment you use for cutting and polishing! It has been my dream to do this type of work. Also, where is the best place to get raw Opal or ordering it from where. Would live your expertise advice so I know I won't get well scammed hah Also hello from Northern Canada 🇨🇦

[@Jillysmom63]

I could tell right away they were not Australian black opal … now a year ago I wouldn’t have but you have really educated me. Don’t all really black opals have black or dark pitch on the backs though? I thought that’s partially what makes them black is that pitch? Anyways they weren’t really shiny and the colors weren’t right. Black o-Al’s are so much more vibrant than what you showed. Anyways thanks for the info!

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes most have potch

[@Hipppy1001]

Bravo Justin!!!🙌👏👏

[@calebh6115]

One other trick! If you use a blacklight Australian opal is phosphorescent (turns green and stays lit for a few seconds after turning off the light) while Ethiopian does not light up. Right? I've always used that 😊

[@blackopaldirect]

Except it doesn't work on Lighting Ridge opal

[@calebh6115]

@@blackopaldirect really? That would surprise me. I've bought black opal from Riley Gunn a really well known opal dealer and it is all phosphorescent. I'm a little confused!

[@cathifamjourney469]

Great information Justin, Thank you. So if you get the eithopian opal wet and it goes clear, it will never return to the way it was? Will it still show color at all? I am asking because I am trying to educate my husband as to why he needs to buy from you and literally not on marketplace!! ps You're quite the quick change artist lol I thought, wait what's different and had to go back to check it out! 😄

[@blackopaldirect]

It should dry out and go back to the way it was but not on every stone. Knowing with is a gamble

[@scottpeters5624]

Very imformative and intressting,, cheers for the heads up to this scam, thanks Justin

[@elchefreedom5063]

I would only buy from you Justin. Come 2022 Tucson time will see you there mate 🤙🏽 to get my very first real opal 🍻

[@blackopaldirect]

We are coming

[@mjbartholomew5317]

@@blackopaldirect I will be in Tucson as well. Where will you be?

[@nevermind6004]

Thanks for the vid my man I love the knowledge that you bring to the table the gem industry has had more than enough fraud only honest people can change things

[@DRMLbyJeffrey]

I have been wanting to do a video on Honeycomb Ethiopian Opal. I love Opals and Justin's Black Opals are my Favorite! Hands down to cut & polish.

[@redeyestones3738]

What's the best way to learn how to evaluate the price of opal?

[@jameslund2658]

Justin I have a peice that has potch honey comb pattern in it. Mr. Politzer thought it was cracks and it appears to be Australian crystal opal. I'm now confused about it. It doesn't go clear in water.

[@blackopaldirect]

Its not impossible to be Australian but vary rare

[@weisswurstfruhstuck8523]

Hey Justin. Bought few rough from you too and cutting myself Welo mostly. Do you have any idea maybe how the black smoke treated opal turns out after years of wearing? The smoked Welo shouldn’t change much even if worn on the skin directly if I had to take a guess. What would you say ?!

[@blackopaldirect]

I’m not sure but I think a lot of it is sealed once treated

[@weisswurstfruhstuck8523]

@@blackopaldirect yeah I have that feeling too. Have to try this out with some oil maybe and cream. Not much lost for a small smoked Welo costs few bucks. I will go for this experiment over the next few weeks and will let you know as soon as I have it finalized, if you are interested.

[@weisswurstfruhstuck8523]

@@blackopaldirect besides the footage from your Customer actually could be stayish mine Material even. And not treated. But definitely it’s not Australian. He should try shining through that stone with a strong lamp if it’s smoked or not.

[@weisswurstfruhstuck8523]

Hahaha your top Australian is insane which you took for comparison ! 😱😳😂😂😂☺️👌👌👌

[@blackopaldirect]

@@weisswurstfruhstuck8523 I did submerge in water and they didn’t change or go clear.

[@vaughnwarren8446]

Thank you - great overview and very informative.

[@sobel4511]

Hi Justin! Can you do some YT shorts on pricing stones? Maybe do polls asking what your followers think a stone could be worth? ❤

[@kimbershulme]

Hey Justin, I have just bought my 2nd genuine opal from you with a little request. Eekk... soooo excited. I know I will be betting a 100% real Australian opal cut by a Master.

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha and a very nice gem you bought. I already polished the back on it for you and it will be sent today instead of tomorrow 🙏❤️

[@kimbershulme]

@@blackopaldirect soooo excited.

[@andrewfrost8866]

Excellent advise as usual, thank you.

[@deg6788]

I bought high quality doublet golden earrings from lightning ridge ...they spark like real black opals but arent real cause its layered with natural black potch...but you cant see the difference .

[@blackopaldirect]

That is a doublet with a veneer of real opal. Still not worth what a solid opal is but they should have explained that to you at the point of sale

[@deg6788]

@@blackopaldirecti knew IT when i bought Them Justin . Wife is superhappy with Them .

[@MrKiar1611]

It's a little bit like jade, people soak the low-graded jade in acid to remove impurity and then coat it with epoxy or resin. You can tell the different under UV and IR iirc.

[@annakeye]

Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren. Interesting. Seriously though Justin, good advice and for free. There will always be scammers in this world, so education is the best weapon against such low life. The damage they do is huge and is rife in the precious gems and minerals industry. A timely reminder to buy off reputable sellers because you're not just buying a quality gem, you're buying their knowledge and expertise with every purchase.

[@Elizabethhavill]

ELLO!! Love ur channel!

[@Penfold8]

I wonder if you couldn't disolve the oil that leached into the opal with a solvent like acetone or something else. I know this would run the risk of killing the color completely, but if it's brown from human oils it probably is already not worth anything at that point.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yeah I haven’t tried that yet. But I would say each opal will be case by case.

[@laurareutter6928]

Oil is soluble in mineral spirits, turpentine, toluene, xylene (latter two are very toxic, avoid!). Acetone is not a good solvent for wax and oils.

[@zac1575]

I found a jar full of opal looking stones. Is there anywhere I can send a photo to see what they are?

[@amberandrews6842]

Thank You for the public service announcement!

[@jeremyjames1289]

Could you please get in touch with me? I want to do an opal "stackable" ring for my wife. I've watched you for years and you are the only one I trust.

[@OpalholicsAnonymous]

Phosphorescence is a great thing to look for. Only austrailian opal holds that charge. A uv light will make most austrailian opal flourece and after you remove it it will hold a charge for a second.

[@blackopaldirect]

Except for black opal

[@OpalholicsAnonymous]

Manmade opal won't do it, Ethiopian opal won't either. (Some austrailian boulder and andamooka won't glow though) But all solid sedimentary austrailian opal do!

[@OpalholicsAnonymous]

@@blackopaldirect that depends though, I have a lightning ridge skin2skin black crystal that does. I also have a couple where the color does but not the potch so it can be harder to see. But there is a very little bit of the fluorescence and after glow. depending on the stone and how the color is dispersed. If its in the black then it's less likely. But if its crystal with black potch back then look at the stone from the side and it will have some glow. I just double checked my Australian black cabs,(I'll do more research with my rough later) Weirdly one the green color does flourece and its in the black but no other color on it does just the green part. And the black and red freeform from The Opal Mills, all the color does. I have some nice n1 rubs I'll have to check to. I think though, that because most Ethiopian black opal is treated. And when you shine a light through looks like black crystal opal can. Then the uv test would work, because if other Austrailian Black Crystal opal do glow other then mine. With the rarity of black crystal, You'd already be skeptical if you can shine a light in. But if its florescent Then it can only be Australian. I don't have many black crystals, so maybe you could see if yours glow? Because my handful could be the exception.

[@OpalholicsAnonymous]

@@blackopaldirect I'm lucky that my suite of Lightning ridge opals with that insane rare rainbow serpant pattern are slightly lighter then the rainbow serpant and testable with UV.(relatively because wow if they were black) When I checked the uv on them I almost cried. The smallest is 4.5ct the biggest is around 7ct? I can't recall at this moment and my scale broke :( I was skeptical a bit at first because there pattern is a bit more even then the serpant. The biggest is an amazing mid-high dome perfect oval! but there is to much that make them have to be natural, not to mention they were bought and cut in the 1980s and I was able to purchase them from a Retired Austrailian opal lapidary for around what he spent then. Along with all the cabs rubs and rough he had in his retirement opal hoard lol. Great day I'll never forget it. I wish the 10-30cts were rainbow serpant tiger stripes but you can only win soo much lol

[@ResortDog]

Don't be bringing your UV light to Virgin Valley then. We have the entire spectrum of possible responses, but the white mineral in opal is what does the glowing. 30 a lb opal uranium ore. PS treatment resins GLOW

[@davidthelan9304]

Do you think with the change of colour that it would be the principle behind Mood Stones

[@blackopaldirect]

no idea sorry

[@ericyang8474]

I am a big fan of Ethiopian Opals due to their immense color and cheaper price, but I've learned the hard way of how easily they cloud up. Once you start seeing it, it can't be reversed. They make great accent stones, since they can be small enough to hide the cloudiness but bright enough to show the rainbow. Rings are poor choices for Ethiopian Opals while pendants (not touching skin) and brooches would be better in my opinion. They would be the perfect gem if they didn't cloud so easily.

[@blackopaldirect]

Nice they are beautiful gems

[@leban9958]

Thanks for the education to us all the time I have an Ethiopian Opal and left in a water for many days but not changing any colour please explain it to me if uou don't mind

[@blackopaldirect]

Some of them are non hydrophane but only a few

[@leban9958]

Thank you very much I learn from your expert thank you again

[@HAlC-up4hm]

Is there a list of dealers or a certification process for dealers and a registry of sorts for real Australian opal? If not, I think this is a great time to start up a guild like organization so people can find a reputable dealer for the type of opal they're looking for. I'd rather pay a bit more for something I can trust has the backing of an official certification process than risk it, especially since lots of us buy online from other countries.

[@blackopaldirect]

Their isn't but as I said to avoid that just buy from reputable dealers

[@Rose61234]

My husband bought me a black opal in Australia and now since watching this worried its not as it seems. Its a solid stone, blue and green and you can see the pattern on the back. What worried me is that it turns amber when light shines through it and it is indeed see through. Is this a give away that its fake?

[@Rose61234]

The seller told him it came from lightning ridge

[@blackopaldirect]

It still could be real

[@avenger1212]

Would Ethiopian opal make for a good substitute for learning how to cut finer opals? Or is the material so different that the experience of cutting something like Australian opal wouldn't benefit from learning on Ethiopian opal?

[@blackopaldirect]

It’s very different from Australian in my opinion. It also polishes different

[@brandonringstad]

The treated stuff doesn't spark joy like the real Australian does. It looks off

[@blackopaldirect]

Marie Condo would agree

[@ResortDog]

Mexican Opal was treated long before Ethiopian opal was found in Shewa. I mine black honeycomb from Virgin Valley (super rare of course) but would never degrade our plume blacks by calling them Ethiopian or Australian, but a lot of dealers cant even mention we exist. We are distinct and they happen to share some color patterns. I had up videos of a blue honeycomb multicolor from the Bonanza mine on youtube and lots of diggers have them in domes if you asked, well most are paranoid of the thieves, we lost over 50 k in wet domed (and he was a master facetor with Allan Eckerts collection of rough he did up) last week here in a burglary. Eyes open.

[@blackopaldirect]

Sorry to hear

[@michaellindsey1543]

Oh the mixed feelings! I hate thieves and frauds. As a 25 year street cop I can tell you horror stories all day long of ruined lives and broken dreams caused by non human maggots. ON the other hand I have a super low tolerance for STUPID. Idiots who buy "opals" for pennies on the dollar out of the trunks of cars or worse, online from the likes of feebay, and then whine about getting ripped off are, to me, of little more value than the scum selling them trash. I am very grateful for people like Justin who do everything in their power to be super honest and shed light on the riff raff. . .

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Michael

[@l2ezzo]

Thanks Justin for this useful information! For me the colours of Ethiopian opal is like unnatural compering to Australian Black opal. If I got money I would buy it definitely from you😉

[@DrDIYhax]

Can you make a video about lab grown opal please

[@blackopaldirect]

I have already

[@DrDIYhax]

@@blackopaldirect there is lab grown opal about now days that looks extremely similar to crystal opal not many people know of . I was wondering if yoh had a video about that:)

[@JDitto702]

Can someone explain to me how a gem like this can be called 2 carats when the back isn’t color and like sand or just other extra material?

[@tylercox154]

Any pointers on telling the difference in rough? I'm looking to buy my first parcel and am now quite worried as I'm looking to spend a few hundred dollars on what is claimed to be lightning ridge opal

[@blackopaldirect]

But from a dealer in Australia that’s been around for a long time