Chasing Boulder Opal. Carve Away And See What You Get.

[@hannagyllensten475]

Love the "just storing my stones as a dragon" ;-)

[@hannagyllensten475]

Amazing stone too!!

[@RoysRocks]

Haha have to be honest, I'm an opal hoarder. 🤣

[@Crumbcat4life]

Oh my that builder opal is gorgeous

[@RoysRocks]

Boulder opal is always fun even if it doesnt end up as a gem.

[@Historynerd42]

Hoarding all my stones like a dragon, priceless. Thank you, I needed a good laugh.

[@RoysRocks]

Haha it is very true though. I dont think it would even be possible to count all the stones I've messed with. Counting the good ones would be possible but all the fails and sub par ones... no chance.

[@tammiecampbell6164]

Glad I watched! I see a big blue trillion pendant with the blue tip, it looks thick enough that you wont loose much opal by trimming up the ironstone!!! 😍🍀 Good luck!!!

[@RoysRocks]

Trillion is a really nice shape. Not one I do very often but really should.

[@johnoakes6772]

Certainly appears that there are several gem pieces there. Beautiful exposing the full beauty of the stone. Congratulations

[@RoysRocks]

Now to slice and dice them free or leave as a specimen.

[@Famo59]

First to give thumbs up 👍 and to watch. Boulder Opals. Cheers Famo59 👍🍻⛏

[@RoysRocks]

Early bird. 🐣

[@nancycurtis7315]

Yeah. You beat me EVERY TIME! LOL. Greetings from Dimboola, in Victoria,Australia.

[@specialgems]

Opals are the absolute natural gift

[@RoysRocks]

Too true. I dont think it will ever be the same man made unlike some other stones. ✨

[@suzanaborlovan7405]

Roy you have read the boulder opal so well, experience shows. I have yet to find one as nice as this.

[@RoysRocks]

You'll find one when you least expect it. 🙏

[@Linda-lt7bb]

That looks awesome, I love Boulder opal. I look forward to the polishing.

[@RoysRocks]

The polishing is a much cleaner task than the rubbing thats for sure so I look forward to it as well.

[@EdWolfram]

The mess though... Another beauty Roy, TY for the video.

[@RoysRocks]

Haha you should have seen the glass box. ☠

[@anthonymcclain6475]

Terrific video as always my friend...I always learn something new... because of the mess I haven't cut a ton of boulder opal but the ones I did cut I love...I might would trim the matrix part but other than that the stone is a gorgeous specimen with tons of cool patterns that only boulder can give us! Thanks for sharing...you are da master 😂...I know I tell you this all the time but I wouldn't be cutting opal (when I can afford material that is 😬) if it wasn't for you and your channel! So thanks again.

[@RoysRocks]

It is a mess so I dont blame people from avoiding it if they care about their workspace. At the same time though its the most fun you can have in opal!

[@scottvanderwerf3391]

Love boulder opal, The way it surprises you with the hidden colors inside the ironstone...... i don't mind the red/brown layer the entire room gets🤣🤣🤣🤣🤷🏼‍♂️

[@RoysRocks]

Haha you end up with a surprise gem and a freshly painted wall and ceiling so easily the best opal out there.

[@joefrank1929]

hi Roy, another informative demonstration to inspire us carvers. I'd be interested in the history of indigenous people of Australia and their relationship with opal. are there documentation in artifacts and spoken knowledge that relates to spirituality of the findings and collecting of opal in their art work and the folklore they tell of this mysterious stone? I think your viewers would dig it if you could lay down a beat on the digeridoo and take us on a trip into the opalescent dream time.

[@RoysRocks]

I have heard a few stories along those lines but not from an indigenous source directly so not sure what is true or not especially as many stories conflict. I may talk to the local museum about it.

[@helpmeout2011]

Check out curiosity mine on youtube. You will see things of this nature posted

[@frostypop934]

Now that the town of Mintabie has returned to the original people’s there is news on their plans to rejuvenate the area making it safe to walk at night. No more falling 90 feet to your death! Parker’s Trail last season meets some locals with very cool traditions you might like too. I love history…don’t get me started on quilting histories…LOL

[@kristasmeaton2022]

Awesome demonstration and full of information and explained really well thank you for doing this video ide keep it as a speci to. And ide love to see the treatment process to.

[@RoysRocks]

Hopefully the treatment works okay. I imagine it wont cause damage if I am careful but I may also just decide to make a slice and do it the standard way.

[@HanstheTraffer]

Another great video. Thanks.

[@RoysRocks]

No worries Hans. 🙏👌

[@karenjones7111]

Thank you. Getting ready to try my hand at some boulder. Not as nice as your piece but good enough to start. ✌❤❤

[@RoysRocks]

You never know. I've had clumps of mud turn into some of my best pieces!

[@sonyaalgosaibi5840]

Very interesting reading, I learned a lot!

[@RoysRocks]

No worries and have fun with it. Chasing tiny lines can result in nothing most of the time but when it works it is incredible.

[@bhutjolokia6990]

Awesome video Roy!! This gave me a different perspective on boulder opal as far as carving goes and polishing with aluminum oxide I believe you said. I will have to get some and try it out. I am hoarding my opals as well. I was going to sell them and over a year later I have nearly 200 beautiful opals.

[@RoysRocks]

Haha nothing wrong with having 200 opals in your stash... I may have a little more 🤣

[@bhutjolokia6990]

@@RoysRocks 😂😂

[@chadatchison145]

Thanks for the video Roy

[@RoysRocks]

Not a problem Chad

[@Kerrsartisticgifts]

That's a beautiful sight! I doubt I could find anything like that on any site I know of for $1,000 probably $us as well.

[@RoysRocks]

If you hunt around a bit you'll be able to find some absolute bargains.

[@eirintowne]

Justin and you should be the ultimate Opal team, he wouldn't have to even try carving opals, and you wouldn't have to aim for cabouchons. I guess that makes my suggestion a collaboration between the two of you?

[@RoysRocks]

Would be a great collaboration but we are both very busy outside of youtube so will have to come up with a plan. We have talked about it though for sure.

[@brotell1950]

love it thanks Roy

[@RoysRocks]

No worries Terry. 👌

[@franktheussen]

Another great boulderlesson for my Roy! Thanks alot. 😁 greetings from the Netherlands. Keep rocking mate!! 🤪✌

[@RoysRocks]

No worries Frank. Still washing the mud out of my skin. 🤣

[@offyarocka]

Awesome piece of boulder!!!! For custom settings ive been looking into precious metal clays which you can get in silver and gold might be worth checking out

[@RoysRocks]

I have looked in to it but I think I'll go the more standard silversmithing way. The metal clays are a little too rustic for me.

[@MrStewcall]

Yep, boulder opal. I've got some I've had for years but wouldn't know if it's worth trying to do something with or keep as is and as a specimen.

[@RoysRocks]

Almost all boulder is worth exploring. You wouldn't believe some of the stones that have come from a tiny weaving line of opal.

[@nancycurtis7315]

Hi Roy. GO BOULDER!!!! Please peg me in for the comp. Can't remember if I entered last time. BOULDER is the most fascinating of them all. Just the whole uncertainty of it. Like a unopened present....... LOL.

[@RoysRocks]

I'm sure you are in the running for the giveaway. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@annakeye]

I find boulder opal really fascinating. It's the soft, bright, metallic-glassy colour against the opaque, hard ironstone. The look itself has the vibe of an ancient land. Lightning Ridge black opal may be the cash cow however, boulder is the geology and dreamtime all rolled into an extraordinary blend of prehistoric rough and smooth. Both brought about by Earth's movement and actions over countless millennia. PS: I was going to ask about partial treatments so I'm pleased you've mentioned it because it may be quite tricky to get the tideline to match up from the sugar and then to the sulphuric acid, so I'll be interested to see if that's an issue at all. Also, I didn't realise other opal, besides Andamooka was treated. Or is this purely an experiment on your part?

[@RoysRocks]

It is a hell of a stone boulder opal. I probably wont use the sugar and acid method on this one but we will see. Boulder matrix opal from is often treated. It is similar to andamooka apart from the host material being quite different.

[@skinnyskinhead9492]

i totally agree, in love with boulder

[@pkgoldopalhunting]

some nice colours

[@RoysRocks]

Boulder loves being dark and foil like so almost always great colour when its there.

[@billiehydrick6417]

Awesome 👌 👏 👍

[@RoysRocks]

I reckon I might slice and dice a few little stones from this one.

[@sarahnealings9679]

Thunder eggs would be a great topic 👍🏻

[@RoysRocks]

Thunder eggs are pretty cool. In the opal game we have yowah nuts which are even cooler. I should explore some more non opal related stones though just to mix it up a bit.

[@goldcambodia]

Pretty opal

[@RoysRocks]

Always worth digging away in the mud trying to find some colour.

[@justkerry173]

Nice work

[@RoysRocks]

Thanks Kerry.

[@jimconnors2500]

I would like to see some black crystal opal. Love the way it looks

[@RoysRocks]

Black crystal I dont have much if any of but I can find some for sure.

[@jimconnors2500]

I love the way they look unique and most of the time beautiful coloring!

[@ThatOpalGuy]

nice stone, i really love the patterns and that electric blue sheen. have you ever considered wearing latex or nitrile gloves?

[@RoysRocks]

Wearing gloves is not really recommended whenever you are working with any high rpm machine. Very quick way to get in serious trouble.

[@TheOzka]

Thank you. Vaisingumo for part sliaising :)

[@RoysRocks]

No worries Ozka

[@bbisyy4u]

Would you be able to slice off the bottom of the stone where the matrix is and treat. Could the matrix go deeper into the stone? Love the explanation on evaluating and cutting the stone. I look forward to seeing more.

[@RoysRocks]

Yeah for sure an option and possibly the best one. I'm just slightly interested in if I could keep it as one whole pices with a lot going on then carve it into an unusual shape.

[@bbisyy4u]

@@RoysRocks Hard to tell from the video but is the matrix only in the lighter iron stone on the bottom?

[@kaynefryday6637]

Awesome

[@RoysRocks]

Hopefully I can treat the base then shape it into an interesting shape.

[@bentationfunkiloglio]

Really nice! I'd be interested is learning what you look for in opal boulder when you thinking about buying. What does good rough boulder opal look like? What tips you off that a given parcel is promising?

[@RoysRocks]

Could make a good series of videos. I could make one for each type of opal.

[@bentationfunkiloglio]

@@RoysRocks I think that would help a lot of newbies! A related idea... I've been looking through my "discard pile" of rough opal recently. Can't believe how many really nice opals are in that pile, opals that I bought during the first six months of opalling and completely overlooked or gave up on too early. My guess is that you very well might have a "discard pile" as well. Would you find any hidden gems if you were to search through that pile now with more experienced eyes? Could make for a fun an informative video.

[@jeffholmes1362]

Nice Roy, Boulder can be a tricky one, when you can’t see through it, how far do you push? Me personal often too far 😂😂

[@RoysRocks]

The sintered burrs are surprisingly gentle even at 80 grit if well worn in. I push until I feel the hardness change between the softer ironstone and the harder opal. You can also feel the difference between an opal face and an opal edge with enough practice.

[@gustenlillgust9999]

nice video man! how do you store your boulder opals when you are done with it?

[@RoysRocks]

If it is a fully finished piece nothing special, just in a container in the cupboard. The top gems I keep a little more climate controlled (and hidden away) but Boulder is probably one of the most resilient breeds out there so I've never had a problem.

[@V27RV]

Would love to see something really special like Louisianian Opal

[@RoysRocks]

If I can get my hands on some it'll be here. I have a few ideas that are just waiting on the AUD/USD exchange rate to improve.

[@BP2UTV]

Where does one buy "cutters rejects" stones?

[@RoysRocks]

Probably only possible when you make friends with cutters and miners. I'm lucky that I get my name thrown around as someone who likes the stones everyone else sets aside so people come to me with their rejects and I throw them a few dollars.

[@CockatoobirdmanBill]

I think that you and justin need to do a stone together or even do a stone with Pulitzer Opal . Just think you, Justin @ black Opal ,Tucker @ Pulitzer Opal and Riley from 53 frogs now that would be a team....Be well and be safe...5⭐ PS did you get chance to try the little motor?

[@RoysRocks]

I have been trying to think of collaboration ideas. Havent tried the motor yet (other than turning it on and seeing how it works but I think I've decided to use it as a fixed saw. Baby trim saw and will probably use it to slice that big mintabie when I get it set up well.

[@gratefulguy4130]

I've been wondering: don't you worry about getting water up into the dremel?

[@RoysRocks]

No because the actual dremel is half a meter away just over my left shoulder. I always advise using a flex shaft attachment as you can see I am just holding a tiny handpiece not a motor. Check out the equipment playlist on the channel to see the set up.

[@gratefulguy4130]

@@RoysRocks thanks for responding. I thought that might be the case but I still get scared of it working it's way up there somehow. I've seen people make splash shields before but I guess maybe it's not as much of a problem as I thought. I was picturing it working like an Archimedes screw & sucking it up to the top.

[@moodogtizer5884]

Could you not take the grey potch off the top ?

[@RoysRocks]

Not sure which potch you are talking about but this stone (and a lot of boulder) will have solid bands of potch so if you keep going you will just end up hitting ironstone.

[@moodogtizer5884]

The colour is on the sides didn't know if you could take the top 2mm off and come down on the colour bar 😊

[@kenoathiog1156]

So- “Trenching”…. Can we reference that as a true Lehmannism !? 🙂

[@RoysRocks]

Haha I dont mind. I always tried to think of a better term but it's really stuck in my mind now.

[@kenoathiog1156]

@@RoysRocks hopefully the Oxford will add to their definition.. “(to) trench (v), trenching; An exploratory technique used in precious gemstone carving”. One day, mate …! 😎

[@ManMountainMetals]

Would like nitric eat away the ironstone leaving the opal🤔

[@ManMountainMetals]

Hydrofluoric ?🤣

[@RoysRocks]

Nitric acid probably wouldn't do much. HF will melt the whole thing if you do a microwave digestion 🤣

[@ManMountainMetals]

Blob of fire clay on the exposed opal before treatment 🤔

[@RoysRocks]

True that could help protect. I might still slice and dice. I see a few good finished stones if I do that.

[@mdpd169]

Witches hat are more of a challenge.

[@RoysRocks]

Maybe sometimes but they typically have a nice single flat bar so in many ways they are much easier.