Matrix opal: Treatment.

G’day everyone, I hope you’re all well! In this video we’ll be taking a look at Matrix opal, specifically from Andamooka. I’ve tried to include as much as I could think of, to help you understand what it is, and, why and how it’s treated.
Matrix Opal, historically, has been overlooked and endured unfair negativity due to being treated.
I hope this video will explain enough details for you to make up your own mind on the subject.
“Comparison is the enemy of happiness.” and this is one of the reasons matrix opal has been viewed negatively, as it’s not entirely comprised of solid opal, it’s not as valuable, which is true, but does not mean matrix opal is rubbish.
I hope you enjoy, thanks for your time. 🤪👍
My contact email: [e-mail]
My online store: theopalmills.com.au

[@lyndallsymons9767]

I’d like to see a show on how to do the resin coating maybe one day 😮

[@1t0eknee]

Stunning matrix Phil. i'm looking forward to seeing them polished up. 🤩

[@Kerrsartisticgifts]

The piece with the deep red in it looks like hot lava in your hands, amazing! Hard matrix, I hope that I can find a piece like that some day. Incredible, Phil!

[@PulitzerOpal]

Nice video, Phil! Very good explanation of what Andamooka matrix opal is and a great job treating it! Take a quick look at the pattern at 5:51. I will email you with a question about it. D

[@jeffholmes1362]

That red/blue is amazing, gotta be happy with that…..

[@offyarocka]

Awesome video and super informative 🤔🤔🤔 Thanks for sharing the knowledge 🤘😎🤘

[@bbisyy4u]

Thank you for walking through the process. It really is interesting how the types of stones treat differently. Can't believe how the yellow stone became so beautifully darkened. What a contrast in color. That king stone turned out amazing. A very rewarding noodling find to be sure. Great job as always Phil.

[@nancycurtis7315]

Got a couple of rippers in there. Terrific job on them. Thanks for the video, Phil. Much appreciated. Greetings from Dimboola, in Victoria.

[@nickbowden4164]

Wow these stones are an absolute delight to look at especially the red blue oval at the end. I would love to own a ring like that. Stunning gem. Thanks for this video. It explained matrix opal very well. Brilliant video Phil 😊 ❤

[@theopalmills]

🤪👍

[@1catfishuntermiller753]

Hiya Phil, awesome video mate and you've explained it excellent as usual. Some people who haven't watched all your videos really need to know. I hope you have a awesome blessed day. Cheers! Cya! 😺🐟 out!

[@lyndallsymons9767]

Great show really loved that ring you made absolutely beautiful ❤

[@DanaerysRiverborn]

21:11 Opal lollipops 😀 So pretty, and awesome vid

[@waynehill2430]

Another great video mate 👍 love whatching

[@AJShiningThreads]

Awesome ❤❤❤ I always learn so much from your videos

[@surajitsaikia4139]

Hi mate, love to receive all the chips from this material. Thanks

[@A_Bone1972]

thanks for such depth of detail explaining what matrix is as well as to how you process the material. any other thoughts i may have had disappeared seeing that final stone! quite a rescue parcel! 🍻 ✌️🐝➕

[@theopalmills]

🤪👍

[@jeffdillon-zg7oq]

The matrix was gorgeous. Thanks for explaining what was going on with the chemical process. You’ve got me wanting to try it now. I may attempt it on some lightning ridge white opal. It has color in it but I think it could be better. Thanks again Phil.

[@gregorybowman4638]

The sugar process won't work on opal the rainbow matrix and normal Andamooka matrix it will as long as it's not too glassy.

[@jeffdillon-zg7oq]

Cool thanks I didn’t know that 👍

[@stephenedwards3095]

I got some porus Australian matrix opal turns white when dry but full gem colour when wet

[@stevenpolack4444]

Thanks for sharing the science behind the treatment. Ring turned out very well. Red/Blue stone is a beauty. Congrats to the owner 👍😁. Hope y'all are well and best of luck on your next vid 🤘

[@billiehydrick6417]

So beautiful 😍 🤩 😊luv them all

[@theopalmills]

🤪👍

[@Tomeccho]

When you scratched that sand, I did wince and squint and call you a bastard lol Nice stones, mate. Enjoy having a play!

[@theopalmills]

🤣👍

[@Honeyhound]

Congratulations on 5k subscribers 🎉

[@theopalmills]

🤪👍

[@bentationfunkiloglio]

Nice looking matrix! I wonder if using heat (instead of acid) to carbonize sugar can make matrix opal brittle. Roasting ore makes it easier to crush, but roasting uses much higher temperatures.

[@gregorybowman4638]

The normal matrix will shatter if you get it too hot, the rainbow matrix can handle heat.

[@gregorybowman4638]

Phil don't you dry out the sugar stones before you put them in the acid.

[@theopalmills]

Yes, magic of editing, they’re still tacky but I do let them drain, they come out of the pot hot, so it doesn’t take long to dry.

[@gregorybowman4638]

I find its much better to let them dry for a few days so the sugar drys in the stone and bonds better.

[@pkgoldopalhunting]

looks a treat mate ha ha

[@theopalmills]

🤣👍

[@pkgoldopalhunting]

i really like matrix you dont really know what you going to get till after the treat like mining @@theopalmills

[@GlobalProspecting]

Great video do you sell this material Phil?

[@theopalmills]

G’day mate, these were cut for some clients, but I do sell some when I find a parcel or happen to pull some from the ground. I’ll keep you in mind if you’d like. 🤪👍

[@GemscopeFR]

Merci

[@theopalmills]

🤪👍

[@Endyunderscore]

have there been any opals on the past that have merged with other gems?

[@gregorybowman4638]

I just got another heavy duty vacuum pump for $100 it's a bit lighter than my old one, don't forget our chat use heat.

[@theopalmills]

🤪👍

[@skinnyskinhead9492]

can boulder pipe opal be treated since the sandstone seems extremely porous?

[@theopalmills]

I’ve not done that, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t treat.

[@skinnyskinhead9492]

is it possible to treat like koroit matrix boulder with the hard ironstone? or is it not porous enough to absorb? is it just andamooka matrix that can be treated? hope my question isnt too confusing haha

[@theopalmills]

G’day mate, I have seen Boulder opal treated, also Winton fairy matrix. Andamooka has the benefit of producing “Hard matrix” opal, to my understanding this is a limestone/opal matrix, very fine grained allowing for a great polish, yet porous enough to be treated. 🤪👍

[@gregorybowman4638]

Rainbow matrix can be polished with a nice Finnish without a clear coat.

[@gregorybowman4638]

@@samanthasimental3788 brown sugar is ok as long as the solution is not to thick.

[@theopalmills]

Yes, I didn’t think to mention that, I need a script writer. 🤣. I hope you’re feeling better.

[@gregorybowman4638]

Yes much better now Back to the lapidary club we have alot of people that don't find any thing noodling or can't get out to find anything I have pieces already cooked for them to cut and polish and have a nice stone to take away at the end of the day.

[@johngiovanni2440]

Omg you must just love the sound of your own voice ehh mate? Jeebus cripes. Mumble ramble mumble ramble. Great vid 👌 1st rate.

[@theopalmills]

And that’s the edited version 🤣.