Matrix Opal - How Black Does it Need To Be to be Beautiful ?

A 78 carat black opal nobby is cut and a secret is revealed about its origin! A large Andamooka matrix stone is also cut and beautiful slices are produced. Big giveaways are present.
Thanks to Riley Gunn at 53frogs shop on Opal Auctions!
www.opalauctio...
Andamooka matrix opal supplied by:
Taner Terziolglu
www.intergalacticaustralianopal.com
(email: [e-mail])

[@OpalAuctions53Frogs]

One day, we'll get you a massive black opal. Until then, thanks for showing everyone the often overlooked side of opal cutting. A lot of what I do at the cold face of opal is helping people understand that the opal entertainment online and on TV omits the hard and boring parts of the opal journey. There are months of mining and finding nothing, machinery breaking, and colors turning to sand. Many good souls arrive at the opal fields with new trucks and shiny tools but leave on the bus. Many opals you cut turn to dust, or yes, even guitar picks. Sometimes chickens, sometimes eggs.

[@Nattokusai]

"But nobody is listening." Haha! Story of my life! I love your observation on where the witch's hat nobbies come from.

[@Kyle-kw2ri]

You make some beautiful gems! I especially like the points that you knap

[@-Nyxxi-]

Wow, those pendants really are amazing; quite striking and unique! Thank you for another video, Colonel. love all the information and demonstrations lately : )

[@jeamushodkinson4815]

Never fail to teach me something new. Absolutely love your work Bruh! Keep making those vids and I'll keep on dropping in to learn.

[@jeffroberts4788]

awesome job cutting them stones as always you do great work

[@SweetWater79]

Thank you for keeping up the awesome work. Always appreciate it when you post a video. Thank you for being here.

[@PulitzerOpal]

My pleasure!

[@caitlineatts6996]

Such beautiful pieces ❤

[@jerrysanchez5453]

That iris stone looks so beautiful.i really enjoy that kind of pattern on a opal. Very scattered. Great videos!

[@laaloo117]

those small opals aways get me, hope one day i can get one and make a piece of jewery. great video!

[@alanyoung1999]

Excellent. Your videos are as beautiful as your stones. And always good for a laugh 🤣, thank you.

[@charlesteune6416]

I think it’s so cool that you’re back on here doing videos on a regular basis. I really enjoy watching your videos. I learn a lot from you so thank you. Take care and God bless.

[@Q_N-]

LMAOOO The face that sookie made when that plastic container dropped was hilarious. Also poor Carl 😭

[@DakotaHoney]

You are a treasure. Love the kitties too. They are so sweet and funny. They like to knock things off if given the chance especially if a snack is involved. It is in their DNA. Having your lovely lady and the kitties on the production team adds to the fun of your videos. I'm looking forward to the next one you and the team make. Thank you all. Meow!

[@PulitzerOpal]

We all try to get good videos of them. My wife and my boys help, when they’re around (the boys)

[@B_WARNER86]

I’m just getting started into stones, doing research on what machine people use. Like the stones!

[@IntergalacticAustralianOpal]

A cabbing machine for cutting and polishing and a trim-saw for cutting larger pieces. I personally like Diamond Pacific brand but its more worthwhile to often start with a used model within whatever your budget allows, and you may not need a trim saw. A dremel is easier to cut smaller stones with, often wastes less too. Best to start at your local lapidary club, they likely have all of this and more available to use for next to nothing and can offer great insights and relationships.

[@kewpiefan72]

As usual, great video! Love your beautiful opals!

[@cyradragons]

"Nincompoop" is now officially allowed...😂🤣😂 The cats chasing a fly. Your videos brighten my day, sir. Oh yeah, the rocks are lovely, too 😉

[@chantillychandra]

Can you believe I'm 52 yrs old and I I've never heard your science fact about radial symmetry! I really love that you made me smarter today! 😊

[@PulitzerOpal]

I believe it. It’s sort of a biology thing, not a “general knowledge” thing.

[@PulitzerOpal]

But I made a modification - it’s my pinned comment (and my new SHORT KZbin video. (there is a mineral that has radial symmetry; I saw it today at a rock show, and I made a short video about it.)

[@calebholmes5691]

Sir captian Colonel crutch, would a trapiche emerald be considered to have radial symmetry? Ive always found their formation to be curious and wondered if it could be a result of a mineral-microbe reaction. Thanks for the great content!

[@Liz_Dave]

Congratulations to all the winners!

[@looice54]

You can treat ANDAMOOKA OPAL without ANY ACID... Just wipe off and wrap tight in aluminum foil throw in oven 4 hours 500F no chemicals comes out the same as the sugar carbonates in oven.

[@PulitzerOpal]

That’s the theory, anyway. Ask around. You will find that almost nobody does it that way. (It SHOULD work, in theory. Maybe it would at a higher temperature, but then you would be risking breakage). Riley Gunn gave up doing it that way about 2 years ago. It does work, but the results are not very good.

[@joecolosi1795]

Ain’t no nincompoop on this channel… Just the boss, Sheila and the cats … Poppy is stunning

[@hackingspirituality9625]

beautiful work

[@w2male320]

owned a saltwater coral tank for about 3 years Rhodactis mushrooms and yuma m,ushroom look like your pictured mushroom. Fun fact to propegate them you can cut them right down the middle with scissors. But how would one fossilize if they get buried or die they turn to a snot like substance.

[@susandevoe6002]

Geez...it's just beautiful....well, they all are!!! And what stunning pendants!!!!!

[@queenb67]

Aw, Lumpy might look mean, but I think he's beautiful all the way around. He just needs a friend who appreciates him. 💖💖💖

[@bentationfunkiloglio]

Another great video! Sad to see that the witch’s hat fell flat. The matrix looks promising. Cheers.

[@-Cosmic-Healer-]

Thank you, it's always good to watch your videos 😍

[@nancycurtis7315]

I'd bet YOUR life on it! LOL. Love the way Sookie and Paco were first up with there shenanigans! Then opal. Hopper and Sookie. Opal. Zuck. You only gave Sheila a Parker pen. Please get her a Mont Blanc. She'll a be appreciated by Sheila. Then poor Touchy was last at post! Shame on you! Poor cat will get an inferiority complex! LOL. Congratulations to all the winners of the give away. Thank you Don,( if that's OK, Mr Pulitzer, thats too long to type! I'm lazy!). Just thought I'd ask. After the event of course! Wasn't thinking. Lovely opals, by the way. They must feel like Touchy! LOL. Thanks for video. Greetings from Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺 😀

[@ricardomorarv6256]

I laughed at it too! 😅😅 like hmm okay I guess

[@PulitzerOpal]

You have never seen a Parker 75. I had one and a brand new Mont Blanc when I started my job at university medical center (you can call me “Dr. Pulitzer,” btw)… or Colonel, Don, and … anything else that you would like to. Back to the story … So I put my lab coat on the coat rack in my office when I left, locked the door, and the next morning, they were both gone. No more expensive pens at work! Touchy is extremely shy, so if he seems under-represented it’s because he’s not in the right room when people are around (people other than me … mostly)

[@nancycurtis7315]

@@PulitzerOpal No, I haven't seen one. Mine have always been Parker pens! LOL I still use my newest. Birthday present in 1996! To replace one whose rubber bladder had perished with time. It had cartridge refills that I hated having to buy. Got a syringe from local stock food agent and a basketball needle so I could refill them! LOL. As for the others, only seen pictures, special and reviews! My cat is very naughty, but is shy with others. When will you be making another arrow head? I love watching the process. Greetings from Victoria, Australia.

[@oneshotme]

BIG congrats to the winners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beautiful stone Mr Pulitzer!!!!! Enjoyed the video and gave it a thumbs up also!!!

[@johnworthington7369]

Always cool to see different types of opal

[@carolj471]

I always enjoy watching your videos. I watch Justin's too. Both of you are natural teachers:-) Each opal has a story to tell all it's own, and you tell it with humor, which I enjoy:-)

[@Pock3tWatch]

I enjoy your videos, and they inspire me to quit procrastinating on my own cutting. Seeing finished stones encourages me to actually remember why I bought the rough in the first place. Thank you!

[@PulitzerOpal]

You can do it!

[@songbirdscreations-MargaretS]

Sookie's face when the container dropped! He was like, " I meant that!" 😂 Beautiful opals, but from your channel, I wouldn't expect anything else!❤❤❤

[@PulitzerOpal]

After a few comments here, I realize that I didn’t see her expression! Going back to see it!

[@rebeccarhoton5164]

I love the I who me look on Sookie's face after she knocks the box off the counter 😂. I loved the video thanks!

[@peninsulahomerenovations9680]

Your so kind with the giveaways!

[@jwider994]

I just stumbled across your channel and truly enjoy it. My love for opal started as a child. My dad brought home some opal pieces from Australia when he was stationed there during WWII. i would get them out and look at them. Now I have decided to start my own collection and will start cabbing soon. Thanks for all the helpful tips you share.

[@mandab.3180]

boy those treated matrix opals are pretty cool looking. not typical at all and lovely. so is the knobby slice that's polished.. different and cool.

[@PulitzerOpal]

You like the nobby? It would have been great left as a fossil. But nobody is going to NOT cut black opal - even a fossil, because it might be worth $10k/ct. (I would NOT cut it, but it belonged to Riley Gunn ) - so I ruined it.

[@chemrebel]

Three things i enjoy on YT all in one spot! Cats, offbeat humor, and sparkly things.

[@PulitzerOpal]

You have great taste!

[@stephaniecruvant9130]

Mr. P, you are "good people". Folks watch your channel because you are the sort of person they'd want for a friend. You need to know this! You offer a comforting sort of easy friendship along with opalescent down-home how-to & wisdom!

[@PulitzerOpal]

You are too kind, Stephanie! I’m not that good…Just kidding - I’m great .. well, my cats probably think so … maybe

[@stephaniecruvant9130]

@@PulitzerOpal GRIN! Smart kitteahs!

[@juleswilko]

Wow that Matrix opal truly is something - the examples hint at basically getting a two for one with the different colours on the necklace

[@Koroitopal]

Witches caps or more commonly known as chinamans caps in the ridge are not fossils, the radial symettry most certainly is geological, the reason i am sure of that is because we get exactly the same formations but in ironstone, anything from 1cm across to over 3ft across, they form in the same bands as the other boulders and"nuts" that contain opal on the boulder fields, up here we tend to call them lillypads, but the cavity formation was created during instantaneous metamorphism of a layer of moist iron rich ground that was cooked by a mini nova ejected from the sun and hitting the earth like a giant lightning bolt, to the untrained eye away from the level they are found in, they look just like fossils, but were created like a hydrogen atom growing in water, as in your carbonated drinks and trying to sqeeze outwards and upwards only to cool as fast as they formed, the opal filled the cavity at a different time, by the very same forces but this time silica had filled the void before being opalised, the biggest one ive ever seen was almoast 6ft across and 1ft thick pure ironstone

[@joeyd9379]

I like watching you bring a piece of rough opal to something everyone would want. Thanks for another great video

[@Burn.Russia]

I love this channel, not been subscribed for that's long but the videos are great and the opal is always amazing to see such good quality! 😊

[@misschatoyance]

Carl is a very pretty little slice of potch! I think sometimes less precious opal is overlooked as it isn’t as shiny. Plus, not every effort is always a complete success, sometimes we need to celebrate the beauty left from the journey. ❤

[@seanoconnell6906]

I love that Matrix opal. Not what most people look for in matrix but I think adds to the character of the piece.

[@PulitzerOpal]

I agree

[@raindrop5273]

Wow, the color on that Andamooka was amazing! Cat was like, I didn't do it.

[@PulitzerOpal]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@IntergalacticAustralianOpal]

Its even prettier in person! Thanks again @PulitzerOpal and all the people who agree that matrix does not have to treat black to be beautiful!! With opal - I have always felt the vibrance of the play of color comes first!

[@kellyfoster8903]

❤❤❤congratulations to the opals new homies. Sookie's response was a priceless moment. I pray yall are safe with all this bad weather.

[@pattimessenger6214]

You knocked it out of the park again! Stunning opals! Thank you for sharing! Your opals are beautiful, videos are funny, and I always learn something!

[@PulitzerOpal]

Glad you like them, P

[@amberandrews6842]

Iris is stunning!! Congratulations to all the winners!!! Lumpy is gorgeous!! Colonel you are very lucky to have Sheila, she's a boss, and helper. You really are lucky. As lucky as whoever wins slice!! The conclusion that witch's knobbies are fossils is fascinating. I think you are correct. Whatever they once were, they are so pretty now!!

[@PulitzerOpal]

Until someone grinds it to nothing!

[@amberandrews6842]

@@PulitzerOpal LOL!!! I am for polishing it, and enjoying it!!

[@lsees5753]

I’m so glad you’re still making videos! I came to your site after finding a 2yr old one, and I was afraid that was it.

[@ricardomorarv6256]

Honestly I just love how wonderfully nature is! Fósiles are just crazy, millions of years and we get to "exist" at the same time! 😮❤😊

[@susannesamuelsson2930]

Hello to you Mr Pulitzer, to your wife and the kittens who are the real treasures! Sending some hugs 🤗🥰 and pats for the cats! 👋💎👍

[@PulitzerOpal]

Thanks, Suzanne

[@julieanderson3269]

Most entertaining rock hound video i gave watched yet! My son was in a near death accident and I purchased a Prase opal for healing. Since I have been diving more into these intriguing stones and am quite excited to have run across ur channel ☺ love love love the kitties n their antics. Keep up tge great work!

[@oughtought468]

That Andamuca matrix turned out fantastic. I don't what it looked like in person but the glow was awesome in the video.

[@PulitzerOpal]

Thank you! Cheers! It was the same in person.

[@sharrzza]

Always a good video from Pulitzer Opal. Since I've recently become a cat lover, I enjoy watching your cats too. Thanks for always putting out some interesting bits of knowledge along with your great sense of humor.

[@suzanneray1527]

I agree with the others Poppy POPS !! And you rock, literally 😁. You are an opal pope !

[@bonniesmith9996]

I think all the opals are beautiful! I can guarantee that any of those would be welcomed in my life!

[@brice2597]

I love your opals and cats each time you post a video I watch it right away and I been watching your channel for a very long time but I still hold my breath each and every given away

[@W.MOpals]

What I love about your videos more than the opal is the fact you add in snippets of the cats and other shenanigans! It's a beautiful way to keep the video fresh. Thank you for posting as always! :D

[@PulitzerOpal]

Thank you very much! The cats want to be in the movies

[@happybee7725]

Those pieces of jewellery with matrix opal your wife wears are stunning.

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

Most entertaining opal channel on KZbin. Thanks for taking us along.

[@biancap3943]

It’s always a great day when Pulitzer Opal posts a video!

[@PulitzerOpal]

Enjoy - and speak for yourself

[@darthnails7855]

I get a lot of enjoyment from watching this channel, I have learned a lot about opals and how to polish stones here. Have a great weekend!

[@PulitzerOpal]

Thanks, DN

[@MaddoxLe-jm7wr]

Iris may have been caught in the wrong place but she definitely caught my iris😂

[@claudine1220]

AndamOOOHka! Your friend Riley Gunn of 53 Frogs really is a very good friend indeed

[@PulitzerOpal]

Indeed so!

[@roryskaramuca8069]

Beautiful work my wife and I love your channel. She is a sucker for a nice rock especially a beautiful opal. Her favorite stone

[@merrymac5460]

what better than a Pulitzer Opal video, but one with KITTIES!! 😻 Thank you

[@OurLastStand]

I would have never guessed that about radial symmetry. I would have assumed that water forms drops and puddles and this was a result of an round opal puddle. Learn something new every day!

[@budklw]

Excellent video! You are without a doubt the most entertaining of all the Opal channels I watch! Thank you for what you do!

[@PulitzerOpal]

Glad you like them!

[@VondaInWonderland]

Thanks for teaching us about radial symmetry and hot sugar water and sulfuric acid. Does the water have to boil the whole time? Next February in Tuscan would be a perfect place for a party. It could be a potluck 🕊

[@CarlosGonzales-wm8xx]

Come for the opal, stay for the cats!

[@MrInsaint]

126K subscribers and rising, to Infinity and beyond.....💯🚀💯🫡💯 Thank you so much for sharing the Opalbest on KZbin , Colonel💯👌💯

[@ChattyCharlieStore]

I always look forward to your videos. They are entertaining and differ from the normal grind opal videos. You even share your own hard earned education from time to time. Just wish you had them more often.

[@PulitzerOpal]

I guarantee that one every 3 weeks is the best I can do, unless I change how I do them. Maybe I should - they would be a lot easier.

[@nickfay2359]

Yay!! I get to see a video of yours that isn't a year old!! And it's of Lightning Ridge black opal!! I'm thrilled!!! I'm hoping to attempt to purchase a little rough chunk of low grade opal or even a pc of black potch at some point just to have and be able to look at.

[@LifeIsWhatYouMakit]

One of the best opal cutters ever AND a top notch Biologist. Very impressive resume my friend. As always enjoyed the video content, keep em coming

[@PulitzerOpal]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@YukonMkI]

Always something new on Pulitzer opal. I'd it wasn't for you we wouldn't get to see all the differences. Thanks to you and Sheila!

[@bbisyy4u]

Fascinating information about the nobby. I have never heard the witches hat referred to as a fossil. Although yours did not have color I love the pattern in the final stone. I think some people would just toss the stone without finishing it out when they didn’t find color. I see Sookie is up to her mischievous little self. She always looks so innocent. Adorable.

[@susanmiller4159]

Learned a bunch! Love those double sided pendants. Iris is extra sweet. The cats are perfection, as always. ❤

[@PulitzerOpal]

The cats are great. I have never seen 4 cats get along so well.

[@peterRobinson10101]

i would not dare call ye a nincompoop! You hear enough of that from Sheila.

[@peterRobinson10101]

Thank you for betting my life on it! (another great video).

[@trish002]

I so look forward to your videos, Mr Pulitzer. I've learnt so much & have introduced many to your channel over the last few years.

[@PulitzerOpal]

So nice of you. I printed the shipping label for the little stone, but i had not put a decent backing. (It was just painted). You will have it pretty soon

[@rockhoundcustomjewelry]

I'd say the most beautiful opal specimen I've ever seen was a opalized clam. the whole thing was white and flashy, fully in tact

[@geminitwinstryanythinggtta6554]

Thank you for another entertaining video. I love all those stones even Carl who reminds me of myself make sure you give the kitties some love from me.❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@PulitzerOpal]

Will do!

[@RushworthRob]

I never saw that flash with matrix opal before. I need to keep looking. Thank you.

[@PulitzerOpal]

You will find it. Most matrix has at least some

[@stephemond2417]

I am still waiting on my pendant! Can't wait to show ot to you. Thanks for the knowledge as always!

[@PulitzerOpal]

Can't wait!

[@soozieq697]

That was a very interesting piece that Riley gave you. Thank you for telling us about it being a fossil. I didn't realize that radial symmetry could not be made geologically.

[@PulitzerOpal]

Glad you enjoyed it. It CAN BE MADE Geologically. But only in “Pyrite Suns” - see my new short

[@patriciaconverse1811]

Oh I saw a antique opal pendant on antique roadshow yesterday. They were in Albuquerque the jewelry guy said it was a boulder opal with matrix and it could have been found near there. I don't think it was from there !

[@Mimikirara329]

Love this channel you definitely know what your doing when it comes to opal

[@zyllinui]

I like the opal before its been treated, it reminds me of my grandma's kitchen from the sixties.

[@srj2590]

It's good to see a few more videos from you. Thanks for sharing, as always.

[@PulitzerOpal]

Thanks for watching!

[@45alamo]

Love your videos. They are always so much fun and you , Sheila and cats are the best! 🤣

[@lesliesnowdon8490]

I enjoyed the kitties as usual, lol. My favourite is and always will be crystal opal. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@gregorygil8803]

Incroyable arc en ciel de l'Andamooka matrix blanche !! Merci pour les yeux, merci pour les informations, merci pour les chats et votre humour. Clin d'œil à Sheila.

[@lisamiller2227]

Entertaining and informative 💜 thank you for your videos. I always enjoy watching the antics of your smallest roommates, especially when they're getting up to no good 😅 hope you and your family are well 💜

[@PulitzerOpal]

Thanks, Lisa

[@firstlast-mp1dc]

I learned about radial symmetry from this video. Very interesting. Thanks.

[@deblucas2264]

Thanks for such entertainment while I learn something new about opals. You are one of the best!

[@ericbeeman8717]

Always something new to learn here thats for sure and the commentary makes this channel unlike another the shenanigans make it great and awesome

[@kbeardy9040]

I truly enjoyed the education on Opals as well as the comedy along with it!😉 Also I liked the cutting & polishing of the specimen. The difference of each of the cuts was very interesting & beautiful. I look forward to the next showing! Thanks, KB

[@kbeardy9040]

PS The cats are a hoot! Pets are the best.❤️🐾

[@PulitzerOpal]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JohnDoe2.01]

Thanks for another fun video. Nice stones as always. I know I will always get a few laughs from you. Thanks again keep Smiling and Stay Grateful.

[@PulitzerOpal]

Thanks 👍

[@micahnichols5142]

Those are very nice opals! Nice cutting and shaping.