Black Opal BREAKTHROUGH! Lightning Ridge's Finest Gem!

A piece of gem black opal from Lightning Ridge, Australia is cut into a beautiful gemstone cabochon to be used in Jewelry (jewellery). I explain why rough black opal is rare and compare black opal types from Mintabie, Coober Pedy, Andamooka and Lightning Ridge,then describe why they are different. I explain the source of the black opal that I will be cutting. I then mention that cutting opal is a journey that does not always succeed.
The second part of the video consists of cutting and polishing the rough opal with a lapidary machine using progressively finer grits. Grinding proceeds very carefully because the color is in thin layers and one can easily destroy them by cutting quickly or grinding with too much force. In the end, a beautiful black opal cabochon for jewelry is created.
Special thanks to Riley Gunn, who supplied the opal: www.opalauctions.com/stores/5...
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
0:00 - Lightning Ridge Black Opal
0:49 - Price per Carat
01:55 - Why Lightning Ridge ROUGH is Rare
03:26 - What I Think of Black Opal Direct
04:31 - Why Is Lightning Ridge Black Opal the Best?
05:35 - Where to Buy
07:21 - Cutting and Grinding
08:24 - Color Exposed
09:31 - Fine Grinding Opal Supplied by Riley Gunn of nnOpals.com
Opal Supplied by Riley Gunn of nnOpals.com
KZbin: / captainshift
OPAL AUCTIONS: www.opalauctions.com/stores/5...

[@D-me-dream-smp]

It’s great to see people in the same field supporting and encouraging each other. Beautiful job.

[@denttech2515]

Thanks for referencing black opal direct. I've been watching Justin for years. He and his channel (business... late father's business) really seem honorable. They deserve it. Glad to see your experience, opinion and respect Edited: you added Riley to the mix, awesome

[@13mjunky]

That is the most beautiful combination of colors!!! I'm shook! Thank you to the gentleman who donated it! I was expecting laughs and I got stunned instead! Thank you for sharing!

[@janetsmith5279]

Those were kind words about Justin. He is good isnt he. Love the finished opal. Beautiful.x

[@christophercarr5865]

@@PulitzerOpal - I'm rather new to this subject, and have been wondering just how good Justin is (because he looked good to me). Very, it seems.

[@sandmaker]

Not only did you succeed, but you created a treasure right before my eyes. Well on my screen, right before my eyes. Thanks for sharing. Be safe and healthy 😷⚒

[@lookronjon]

You are so funny. Your craftsmanship is impeccable. I really had no idea about opals till I started watching your show. Thank you for sharing with us. what you do is amazing.

[@cinemaipswich4636]

I too have great respect for Justin at Black Opals Direct. He shows a sense of achievement in doing a craftsman's work. He is a great teacher for anyone who wants to cut and polish opals. Some of his stones just knock your head off with their absolute beauty. Australian opals are our best export.

[@betterlatethannever4921]

Love Riley, Justin, and you! All my favorites in one place today! 💗

[@betterlatethannever4921]

Pulitzer Opal I wouldn’t have you any other way!

[@jameslund2658]

Thank you sir. Love comes In many forms. People need to share love and not hate. I'm not perfect but if everyone started looking out for those who are less fortunate then them this world could be a better place.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Killer gem man! I'd be proud of that beauty.👍

[@flyingcheff]

Thank you 53frogs! Good choice to foist that parcel on monsier Pulitzer! Sheila won't be bored wearing that little gleam!

[@stonehand49]

Ethiopian opal my favorite after 50 years at the bench. Aussie just Sooooo expensive. Your a talented cutter...tech whiz....and story teller. Surgeon skills.

[@johnh8615]

Isn’t this type needing water to enjoy. And any other liquids can stain or ruin the specimen?

[@denttech2515]

@@johnh8615 from my understanding, water is just temporary, but oil and some other fluids can be more permanent

[@JLards]

@@PulitzerOpal China are the big buyers out at the ridge. They fly over stay in the hotels and the miners take their parcels to the hotel. Its like a opal roulette market haha

[@rebeccaanderson5037]

if i could just have you narrate everything i listen to !!!! i would be one happy camper

[@0dan56]

Donald, I bought a parcel from NN Opals a month and a half back. Still sitting in a bowl waiting. Last week I was looking at an Opal Auctions list and saw a parcel of Opals that had "some" black Opals, bid and won from Red Velvet Gems. I like 53 Frogs, Grace, and her pet chicken Luna! The way he classifies his Opals for sale is great. If I'm hanging out in the same places as you, I'm in the right place!!! Good Job real nice Opal, Dan

[@sandmtnirishred]

Me too! Lol. I got my last chips and color and a #5 from Mr Gunn. I actually originally messaged him because in one of his vid advertisements he dropped the opal and patted around with his hand for it. He's a card. It turns out he's from the States like me. Ironically, he's from Texas and I'm from Alabama. Good man; good opals.

[@guitarhiker4449]

Haha!! You make opal so fun!! Beautiful little black opal! You did that girl proud!

[@gpa6449]

Turn out really nice, who wouldn't be proud of a nice black opal like that, great job

[@jasonroberson4850]

justins great so are you ive been cutting opal for 30 years good job guys

[@sharonlewis7638]

Whoaaaaaa! It’s a beauty, and that black glove treatment, who knew? Thanks for sharing.

[@dietmarsteinhilber169]

That stone is Dynamite , I'm blown away. What Opal Dreams are made of.

[@KIRALYW]

That was a nice Nobby. Justin’s channel is great, & just like you he has that dry sense of humour. Watched a live he did this morning actually. But you were my first opal channel I subscribed to just so you know. You can’t beat Lightning Ridge Black Opal. I hope to go visit there soon one day. Nice work & Shiela is funny as always. 😂

[@KIRALYW]

Pulitzer Opal it’s getting pretty scarce which is affecting the price too. I put a link to this video in Justin’s latest video so he can see your nice plug. You might get extra viewers this way too which is always handy. BOD channel came up as a suggestion after watching a few of your videos. I have to say you both keep me so entertained. Opalneers have funny senses of humour, I want to be one of you guys. I love the variety in your videos too. Appreciate you taking the courage to work with a LR opal. I hope you at least get to visit the place one day. 🤞🏽🤞🏽

[@KIRALYW]

Pulitzer Opal LoL wouldn’t we all. Justin & his dad have done well over the years with opal, but it is hard work that’s for sure. Cleaning dunnies is somewhat easier. I do need a new career besides cleaning dunnies. 🙄

[@lynneperg6853]

This was a little beauty. I love black opal. Thanks for including and pointing out your, very minor, woopsie. Those are the best way for all of us to learn. Justin's channel is also good. You both have an amazing sense of humor that makes watching your channels fun. Keep on making your inspiring videos, I'm looking forward to your next one.

[@mollynakamori]

That is a really special piece. Justin would be proud of you! I so love your videos.

[@shedrow4265]

Your videos always bring a smile to my face. I thank you for all your hard work that you put into making them.

[@jameslund2658]

Stay humble. Always. I moved out of my dad's house at fifteen and have walked many paths. Life Is a journey and adventure. Hold the love in your heart.

[@AgateDad]

Another beauty, the opal and the video 👍👍🤘

[@cathifamjourney469]

Beautiful black lightning ridge opal, it shined up right pretty!

[@snipehunter89]

I get excited every time I see you or Justin rub one out.

[@merrymac5460]

That didn't come out right either, lol, but I agree with your point! 😂

[@snipehunter89]

Pulitzer Opal it's a 2011, unfortunately she is no longer of this world, by way of a drunken driver.

[@rogerlimoseth4790]

@@PulitzerOpal they have crash test video's comparing cars from the 70's with todays. Major difference.

[@banichavez2886]

Eeeey yoooo!!!! That was something funny and gross at the same time. Big ups to you big man . 😷

[@Ken_Dalton]

@@PulitzerOpal tesla are nearly one of the fastest cars on the roads these days. We'll fastest torque wise. But definitely not as nice as a cobra though that's for sure. One of my bucket list dreams is to hire an old mustang and drive across the States one day..but I'm along way off from doing it just yet, but hopefully I'll get there!!

[@Johnbro8]

Beautiful gem, well done, congratulations on a lovely cut

[@christinechildress5021]

Just found your channel today. I think I found a winner ! Beautiful gem! 🙂

[@Spunky62]

I just LOVE Black OPAL Direct. JUST watched him EXPLAIN the process of acquiring these as he couldn't video. 🤷‍♀️. LOVE your channel! 😁

[@Boogyman454]

Beautiful stone!!! You got lucky and hit the jackpot with your very first black opal cutting!! The stone looks to be about an N3-B3. A similar stone on Justin's web site is selling for $4000 USD I'm currently waiting for my first shipment of some rough black opal from Lightning Ridge. I hope I can be as lucky as you were! Great job on the cutting and thanks for sharing your video with all of us!!

[@claudine1220]

what a little stunner! It's amazing how a tiny chip can hold such a lovely gem

[@peteraitken2225]

GRACE SHE HAS THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE I HAVE EVER GOT I have her drawing thanking me it is what i wake up 2 Your in good hands there love the humour

[@LaowaiNZ]

I have bought a lot from 53 frogs , some good , some disasters lol , but that’s the gamble you take with rough , as he told me “ sand is the nemesis of opal cutters “, it can appear where you least expect it

[@AlexXanderMarketing]

Beautiful little gem there 😍

[@buckbundy8642]

Beautiful stone. Absolutely brilliant.

[@michaelprue9024]

That little gem has HUGE personality ! Nice job Colonel. Very nice job indeed. 😊

[@PulitzerOpal]

Thank you very much, Michael

[@stevenbriggs784]

when you said "this is the first piece of rough black opal I've ever cut" i could hardly believe you, and THEN i saw the date of release for this video and was even more shocked.....but I'm so glad you waited until jun2020 to do it, because I've been inspired to do the same thing thanks to blackopalsdirect* and yourself, and will be ordering my very first parcel tomorrow. I'm NOT a rich man, but I've not been this excited for along time. Thankyou!!

[@stevenbriggs784]

@@PulitzerOpal Mr Pulitzer, after two months I have multiplied my $200 per week through government assistance to almost 300% now, and it is all thanks to you, Justin and Riley. I have truly dedicated myself, and now after many many sales and meetings through men of your experience I now know that I just need to be honest with everyone and humble, after all, were all just trying to live comfortably. Thankyou

[@Albertpergler]

Welcome to the club and Riley and justin are the best .just like you now your hooked on black opal :-)

[@Albertpergler]

@@PulitzerOpal its a great community and you are all great guys in this me personally learning from all of yours videos . You are all great contributor in your owns special way for the community . Evry one his own specialty which makes the packedge so tot say complete :-) . I really enjoy you guys a lot .You inspired me to do this also to chase the fire . And more t,o come from me and someone in the community :-) Keep up the good work lot.of poeple appriciate it. Cheers take care and stay safe .

[@sharonspringstead7471]

It turned out a beautiful gem. The colors are so bright and vibrant . Another great video Thank you Mr. Pulitzer Opal man🤗👍

[@ieatcaribou7852]

Very enjoyable re-watching some of your classics. This one turned out beautifully.

[@kathydavid2893]

Thank you! That was fun and informative. I love opals

[@raleighevans7404]

You truly have the hands of a master!

[@Coocorancrew2834]

Nice one, all the best from a miner in Lightning Ridge, 52 yrs here, started mining at the age of 15 , keep up the good work and good luck.

[@Madlintelf]

Been following Black Opal Direct for quite some time now, so glad I got to see someone else bring one to light, subscribed! And thanks!

[@HolyWar2468]

Beautiful opal! This is my eye candy!! I seriously like too how you point out your mistakes. It helps me know I'm not watching a robot.

[@andermac1]

So glad for this fine video, loved the way you described selling that nobbie. I watch Justin as well, he's a character 👍

[@elizabethgrindell1054]

Honestly, you are just TOO FUNNY!! What a wonderful sense of humor!! :)

[@sueparras6028]

Justin is an amazing opal guy! You could learn alot from watching him. You did do a fantastic job on this nobby. BRAVO!👍💯✌🇨🇦😎

[@jameslund2658]

Thank you. Dang, shoot man I was thrown off by the accent you wear. I do miss my grandfather a lot. You and black opal direct. "Justin". Are my type of people. Gold, opal, diamonds, ellensburge blue, petrified wood. These are just beautiful rocks. Like everything in life. You can't take it with you when you pass away. Knowledge on the other hand can always be passed on. Weather or not they are your kids or someone else who is passionate about having a hobby. I wish you well and maybe someday you may find a worthy person to share your knowledge with .

[@FB-tq5ln]

A beauti gem, you will have Sheila fighting again. Thanks for your video and the details of your preparation. From Dublin Ireland

[@amberandrews6842]

That is a magnificent stone!! Congratulations!

[@PulitzerOpal]

Thank you very much! It is pretty nice.

[@BurninGems]

i thought I was watching Justin cut that for a moment. Nicely done, great results. My eyes aren't as good as yours used to be, so I understand missing the scratches till it is under magnification! But you fixed it and that's what counts!

[@kathysmith4261]

That stone is gorgeous🥰🥰🥰

[@weisswurstfruhstuck8523]

53frogs. Very nice guys there. I purchased some rough there too :)

[@snyperlady77]

WOW. For such a little stone, that came out awesome. Nice job.

[@anthonymcclain6475]

I love Justin as much as the next opalholic but I look forward to your videos with just as much anticipation and glee(yes I said glee...I 🤔 for a good minute before committing) if it wasn't for Justin I would have never cut my first opal but I click with your personality more and although black opal is without a doubt one of the most gorgeous gemstones mother nature produces it isn't the only one and your channel allows people to see a variety of materials and like Justin you are not afraid of failure but rather learn from it and that is a skill that anyone hoping to coax a gem from the rough is going to need to acquire! Thanks for being one of my teachers!

[@sheriroberts8055]

When did my life change so drastically?? I've been searching out all of your videos and watching and re-watching them!! Thank you!

[@robertlunsford1350]

A stunning opal. Thanks for sharing.

[@jenniferholloway3084]

That is really a beautiful stone. Great job Colonel!

[@Jillysmom63]

Oh man that was so beautiful. I love the color in that one.

[@1catfishuntermiller753]

Hiya, now that's a beautiful Black Opal from Lighting Ridge, it really is beautiful, my friend from way down under says, if it has pink it's a rarity and it's worth more, you know...... you mentioned his name, Justin was live today but I didn't get too watch him. He's a great guy, so are you. In my book y'all are the best at what y'all do. But as soon as I get off your channel, I'm going watch his, I really enjoyed watching your video, some how you always make me laugh. So stay safe and healthy, and I hope you have a great blessed day. Cya!

[@1catfishuntermiller753]

@@PulitzerOpal your very welcome, but I don't believe you were being a nuisance, you were probably just looking around 😎 being cool and stuff. I try not to miss any of his live video's but sometimes I have to watch them later then sooner. I don't miss any of your videos ether. I do learn some great information from watching your videos too. Your getting pretty darn good on making them funny too. I always look forward to watching your vids, I even go back and watch some of your earlier ones too. I've been working on some fire agates, or fire opals whichever you want to call them, but if I'm working in my rock shop when you posted a video, stop the presses! I have ta shutter down........ So I can watch your vid. Lol One day I hope too be as good as you are on making jewelry.

[@1catfishuntermiller753]

@@PulitzerOpal ya, it's different than opals, because of the way you have to work them, they can take heat pretty good, where other opals can't take that much heat, and you have to use some type of flex shafts, I have opals from pet wood, sea shells and fossils, but you have to be careful not too go through the color layers. The one you have, is it polished already?

[@1catfishuntermiller753]

@@PulitzerOpal well some you don't have to carve, because you can use the chalcedony because some have beautiful color under neath. That's the ones that you don't have to worry about burning through the color. I finished one last night that is like that, it has all the colors in the rainbow. Pink and blues, purple and iridescent colors. Man they can be so beautiful. Those Indian arrowheads you did in opals is no comparison, to fire opals though. One day I'm going to try black opal from lightning Ridge, I wanted to ask you what kind of lapidary machine you use, I'm thinking about buying a 8 inch cab King, I want to buy something that works really good but, I don't know what to buy. What's your opinion, I really value your opinion on that.

[@1catfishuntermiller753]

@@PulitzerOpal thanks so much, deeply appreciated

[@psw4763]

Opals are just gorgeous. Mother Nature at its best. Enjoyed your video very much.

[@richardarguelles5694]

That turned out incredible and so beautiful .

[@amandaevans8765]

Hear from Justin’s channel, I actually like your commentary and your channel is very informative as well thank you for all your hard work and honesty ❤️

[@amandaevans8765]

Thank you!!

[@rashakawa]

It looks a million times better the second time around!

[@jimlancaster6120]

Very nice good job and very nice thumbs up to Justin and Black Opal Direct he has some very nice Opals and videos. Love all your comments.

[@gsdtravels6457]

Beautiful gem, spectacular color!

[@zenberryflood]

You got me so darn interested with opal I ended up buying my first Ethiopian welo Opal knobby! And you know what? Now I can’t go back, I have now made a path to become an authentic opalholic.

[@zenberryflood]

Pulitzer Opal I cant afford much so i just might take a plane to Australia to get my opals, I’ll hit up lightning ridge and get help from the most knowledgeable people for the formation so I could learn how to tell where opal grows and how to spot possible silica host rock spots or areas of high water and silica concentration, because that’s when you start pulling out opal by the pound. I do know quite a bit, but opal, just not as much as I know other minerals, I’ve been tip toeing into the opal pool for a little, once I’m 18 (I only gotta wait a little over 1 month) and I’ll work minimum wage somewhere and save up 2500$ then buy a faceting machine, save it up at 2500$ again then book tickets to lightning ridge and back, maybe I’ll give you some big chunks for you to cab or facet in the future as a token of appreciation once I get my tires fully rolling down the road of a gemstone enthusiast’s life. Fun fact: I first started this hobby when I first started walking, always found that interesting.

[@Kerrsartisticgifts]

Man, that sure turned out good/beautiful. I think opal is the nicest stone of all. I really liked the white ones and bought a few when I was in Australia. I didn't know anything about them and bought doublettes or triplettes for $10-20 each to bring back to Canada as gifts for a friends mother and sisters. That was around 1974 but I still remember how delighted they all were.

[@BuckeyeBallistics]

"I couldn't possibly accept that... how soon can you ship it?" Literally died laughing, typing this from my grave now 🤣

[@trinitygordon9820]

Agreed Too funny!

[@zenberryflood]

If you are typing this from your grave, your only 24 feet away from being next to opal (depending on your local graveyard)

[@BuckeyeBallistics]

@@PulitzerOpal 😅

[@ShannonD.999]

Absolute stunner on that one, what a beauty!!!

[@kimberlydlapp3441]

I was hoping for a teardrop. Its gorgeous.

[@lauralee5644]

So very beautiful and you are both talented and hilarious thank you for both.

[@DeIicateFynn]

Omg!! A new video!!! I'm too busy packing my bags getting ready to move... I'll definitely watch this when I have time later!! 🤗🥰

[@DeIicateFynn]

@@PulitzerOpal Omg!!! That has to be the prettiest opal I've ever seen you make! It's got all the colors and it's soo bright! Good job!!! Moving isn't a big deal. I'm single and I don't have a lot of stuff. I'm a real traveling nomad Rofl! 😱

[@DeIicateFynn]

@@PulitzerOpal You got it! I live in a secret location in Cali... but really I just prefer to live in the closet... I'm not ready to come out just yet... Yes, I do like my new place, it's temporary though, what's more important is I start work tomorrow! I am so excited to start doing nails again! 😊 I had a free vacation but I really wasn't doing much. I guess I like work. 😳 ... I might be madly in live with it... I've always preferred smaller jewelry. I'm that girl that loves quarter karat earrings. They are my favourite. They're so cute and tiny! Okay. This was long and silly but it's late and I get to get up and go to work. Good night!

[@DeIicateFynn]

@@PulitzerOpal You can count on me! I actually know how to make opal like acrylics!

[@DeIicateFynn]

@@PulitzerOpal Not exactly. It was kinda last minute but a friend of mine had a spare bed room for me to stay til August. It'll give me time to look for something more permanent. You gave me a great idea actually. I'm going to see if I can make an opal pendent out of acrylics and glitter. 😊 I should have done a video about make ceramic dragon pendants. Could have been famous like you during pandemic times 😅

[@matthewdomeno7267]

It came out beautifully. That was a gamble worth taking. Nice job and fun video.

[@kam70111]

Justin is a gem of a person.

[@SunsetBayBonnie]

so beautiful, what a light show. aside from being in awe of your talent,i have to say, i spent the first several minutes of this video wondering where Sheila was, but she made her appearance so i can rest easy all is well and your wife hasnt made her disappear yet. Good day Sir and ty for the vid.

[@SunsetBayBonnie]

@@PulitzerOpal ahh..sister wives..ok..im open minded. ..i watch tv and learn these things.

[@lonewolf1401]

I love watching you guys do these stones they are so beautiful I'm hooked on all the videos now

[@mctron22rd]

WOW! What a beautiful opal, the colors are amazing! Great Job, on cutting! You are really good at it! Dont sell yourself short!

[@crystalbailey6553]

Gorgeous stone. It turned out pretty nice and bright too.

[@jamesanagnos6123]

very eye appealing colors , beautiful gem

[@gregparks1785]

Great video and a stunning opal! Lightning Ridge opal is so amazing.

[@Call_Me_Mom]

Seeing people work is an education in itself. Small differences in technique are more readily apparent when you can see them.

[@margaretsouayah2597]

I love your videos! You crack me up and turn out some nice opals too! Justin does great vids too!. I have bought some nice opals from Riley, mostly Andamooka. I love the little postcards with Grace's drawings.

[@oneshotme]

Very beautiful Donald and great job rubbing it out lol Enjoyed your video and gave it a Thumbs Up

[@christinevr7698]

Truly beautiful gem. Well done

[@dcallan812]

Riley and Grace are really nice people. I have a few small bits of rough from them. It nice when Grace pops one of her cards in the parcel makes is a bit more personal. WOW that sure turned out nice. 👍👍

[@DARKNIGHTFELIX]

I'd say you're on our way different level my brother I wouldn't compare you to anyone else you have your own flavor. And you treat some of the best matrix opal I've ever seen.

[@PulitzerOpal]

Well, ain't that a heartwarming thing to hear? Thanks for the kind words! Every opal tells a story, and I'm just here to bring it to light. And hey, if you're enjoying the flavor, make sure to keep coming back for more. Cheers! 👍🔮💎

[@maryannkom299]

Love Black Opal Direct.

[@dublime420]

Wow..beautiful stone. We buy some of our lightning ridge stuff from Riley lol it’s beautiful stuff..

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Oh gosh, I would be the most timid of opal cutters 😳 but man you found that colour like the pro of course... 😉👍 And also, yes! Justin ( Black Opal Direct) is another of my favourite opal channels. Again dude, loved seeing you shape the beauty outta that piece of Aussie goodness. I always love seeing your vid pop up in my notifications. Thanks for doing what you do man. Genuinely. Thank you!

[@rebornpho5716]

Hands down, you are my favourite youtuber. Love every video you put out mate keep up the great work.

[@johnfeeney7755]

Love your videos. Great result as well!

[@SilverGoth]

That ended up being a stunner! Nice work!

[@carolalexander1429]

Simply stunning!

[@flodareltih9407]

thank you for showing us your stuff

[@MrInsaint]

Excellent! Outstanding work of Art sir👍I think all the colors were represented in that Opal.🍭

[@patrickmcgovern676]

Hi. Not sure if you remember me but its Patrick here. I recently have met a geologist who i am proud to say She's now my girlfriend. I introduced her to your videos & she thinks your funny as hell and very informative. She's got the opal itch/fever. 🤣 and its starting to develope into a opal rash + i apply cold potch to her forehead regularly... I blame myself 😆. i hope all is well. We both look forward to your next video. And also hope you had a good holiday weekend. Patrick McGovern & Angie ( geologist )

[@MikeyMikeHq]

Your videos are fantastic , keep em coming , please