Unbelievable Discovery! The Finest of all Opals - Gem Matrix - (Andamooka Matrix Opal)

Presumed to be "untreatable" I demonstrate a rare parcel of Andamooka "Gem Matrix" opal. Gem matrix is Andamooka matrix opal that doesn't "need" treatment it looks high quality solid gem opal WITHOUT treatment. In the video, I cut, treat and show the incredible quality of this rare opal, which may be the best opal of all!
(Opal from Murray Willis, owner of Australian Opal Mines - it's on the web!)

[@dksoldierdk]

I have been down a youtube rabbit hole, of opal cutting, for the past week and a half! ...you are dragging me deeper!

[@FlawlessRevelation]

My hobby isnt even minerals and I have binge watched this channel all day

[@Guerrilla727]

My hobby is gaming and I've been doing the same shit lol

[@AaronX442]

agreed, it's nice to watch someone unlocking beauty.

[@k8eekatt]

Come for the sparkle, stay for the jokes!

[@jonranta1842]

All my opal arrowheads became pendants and are long gone to ex girlftiends but i need to get some more suitable materal.i have some flint but love chipping only opal now except for all that fire in the flakes which is a bit of a bummer so i had. To practice on lower quality stuff at first. Oh well.

[@froggersgarage5127]

Same im a small engine guy and have a small engine channel on KZbin but love this content

[@joleenphillips2415]

I nearly fell off my chair when you revealed after treatment. I LOVE them ALL!! I'd have so much trouble deciding which to work with first! If I had the one you called "the king" I would make it into a double sided pendant to showcase both sides. Oh, but they are all so brilliant

[@joleenphillips2415]

@@PulitzerOpal thank you for responding. Yes, "the king" was the one that you're talking about. I'm not a jeweler, but I play around with wire weaving and have been moving toward sterling silver wire. I'd love to see how the jeweler finally decides to set this stone. It's so fabulous on both sides it would be a shame to hide either of them.

[@melslapper9476]

I honestly fell in love! For about 9 years I’ve loved opal, but today I saw the most beautiful stones i have ever seen! One day I will surely get my hands on a few and proudly wear and display them

[@melslapper9476]

@@PulitzerOpal that's true, I am an amateur when it comes to this as I have never fully delved into the world of stones deeper than admiring them often, so I haven done my homework. Yesterday I was checking on ebay and they sell some matrix opal but it doesn't compare to this at all! I still liked it though. Is there a place where I could buy a decent ring or earring made of opal at a fairly affordable price? (Like for starters) Thank you for the reply as well, have a beautiful day.

[@jonathanwilliams4348]

Wow, that is absolutely stunning transformation. I couldn't take my eyes off them, and I don't know anything about stones of any kind but even I can appreciate their beauty.

[@anthonyde-zen2235]

Hi everyone I used to live in Andamooka and work at Olympic dam mine .on our days off we would look for opals the locals would say in the old days the opal miner's would just throw this stuff away so plenty of people have found matrix's just laying around the old dump's it's a fantastic place to live but bloody hot and at night you get the most clearest sky you would ever see the starrs are amazing but I had a accident and become a paraplegic I have been in hospital for over a year now and watching KZbin videos a lot and you do a fantastic job cutting and polishing your opals thanks for the interesting videos opal really is a magical stone.

[@anthonyde-zen2235]

@@PulitzerOpalhi and thanks for the reply . My mate Jamie who had a grate eye for finding matrix opal always called it dead opal. I don't no if that the rite name or not but most of it treats really good.. and I agree it looks fantastic after treatment. So thanks again and I wish you all the best in 2020

[@ChuckyH2]

I came down here to make sure that it wasn't uploaded on April 1st. This is unbelievable!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

My goodness man, what a beautiful video packed full of info and gorgeous matrix opal. You do such amazing stuff mate. Thank you, will share this as much as I can, it needs to be seen and appreciated to its fullest! Thank you! Thank you!

[@dpulitzer]

Thank you for the nice comments! This was a great topic ... video made itself!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

dpulitzer Not without your work in the stones and the editing. I always love seein a new video pop up in my alerts! Thank you man 👍

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Pulitzer Opal Yeah, I’m really getting into making the videos myself. It’s a hobby all on its own and such a great creative outlet. You can tell you really know and love what you do, both with the opals and the videos. Just great watching to be honest mate!

[@Vix2066]

Absolutely beautiful! I didn't even know I wanted to watch opal videos but as usual youtube knows me better than i know myself😅😂 #Subscribed

[@Vix2066]

@@PulitzerOpal Don't worry it does it to everyone😅 KZbin are seriously slacking with the app maintenance it seems.. keep up the fantastic work!!❤

[@artistaloca4]

Lol! 😂👍😎

[@artistaloca4]

Lol! 😂👍😎

[@TheYuleTube]

I loved this video! I have a ton of matrix now. I have a great source, and have bought about $10k in roughs from him. I need to buckle down and start finishing some! I always enjoy the level of detail and explanation you go through for us.

[@dpulitzer]

I am glad that you liked the video. It's impossible to NOT like the opal! Good luck with your opal!

[@equilibrium2359]

U love your videos too let me know if you are interested in lighting ridge opal

[@skullfetish2539]

it's pretty easy to carve too.i' ve done some buddha's, were awesome

[@ironeyz6926]

Have been using all my data on watching craftsman like this,can't stop watching, absolutely beautiful,wish I was young enough to learn this,I'm retired so can only drool,thanks for sharing👍👌🍺

[@caraame]

You can do this! That your retired means you can devote more time to it. Go for it! You could buy the equipment on eBay.

[@gemstonejudy5900]

Wow! Absolutely stunning. Good call on the treatment!🥰😍

[@SunsetBayBonnie]

never knew anything about opals till i started watching your channel. All i knew was i love them an think theyre just amazing. Seeing this video, i thought, the 'before ' opals were fantastic, but the 'after' is just mind blowing. thanks for showing.

[@dpulitzer]

Bonnie, I had the same feelings when the opals came out of treatment. Stunning.

[@alainrouthier7264]

How you do treatment

[@alainrouthier7264]

Super and which kind of acid toi use and how much is needed cause I have a few To do

[@Lego51]

@@alainrouthier7264 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rau0nXSmdtaUhNU

[@Crystallz2]

These pieces are so breathtaking! This stone just does something to my imagination! I So love it! It is so beautiful!

[@landofahhs_1]

When you talk about soaking the opal in the warm sulfuric acid and sugar, I always think of an experiment I saw as a kid in high school. My chemistry teacher placed sugar and sulfuric acid in a large beaker. The sugar reacts with the sulfuric acid and is dehydrated by the sulfuric acid leaving only the carbon in the sugar. :)

[@cookingprof]

My customer base REQUIRES that their gems that there would NOT have ANY treatment. I love the fact that that you show about possible treatments. Your historic years in the industry makes it a way that I tell customer.

[@usagitsukino3638]

This is majestic! Opal is my birthstone and it amazes me how otherworldly it looks!

[@prophet3091]

Never once looked at a gemstone and thought "wow, that looks great, I wish I had a stone like that" I have changed my mind.

[@williamgagne2628]

Wow! Amazing pieces..nice job treating those beautiful pieces of Opal..

[@cravisbouyin4864]

Matrix opals turn out so much better after treatment that one would want to hold them for as long as it takes. A class of its own! 👉😔

[@CenterStarsChannel]

These are beautiful and something I imagine as a single dad I could never afford. It is so amazing watching you work. I really enjoy it.

[@dpulitzer]

I am glad that you enjoyed the video. This material is incredible!

[@meitsjust]

I love your videos. Not only do we learn something but we get to watch some amazing Opals come to life💖

[@andermac1]

This was some of the most beautiful opal I've ever seen. Fantastic 👍

[@L0RDSH0CK3W4V3GamingAdvice]

That was a spectacular showing of those opal stones , might have to look at this video a few times to realize what I’m looking at 👍🏽💕

[@dottiedayz4835]

Gow does the treatment change it

[@lisabrudnicki659]

Wow that was incredible how the treatment made the colors just pop! I really love that look.

[@wanparaph]

We both think andamooka is the best lol. And it hadn't occurred to me that I could do touch up on my pieces after treatment and then re treat it. Thank you so much for sharing your obsession ! Lol

[@wanparaph]

I'm so glad you commented on whether glassiness affects treatment! I was really concerning because I put a finish polish on half my carvings before starting the treatment. I hope mine come out as well as yours.! Personally, andamooka is my totally fav and I've worked with all kinds of opal!

[@cliffcurtistruth]

Ha! Black crystal opal is finest wherever it's found. I'm a Virgin Valley Nevada opal miner whose finds include a 7 inch fossil branch opal, black opals and amazing clear crystal opals. Incredible large opals are relatively common to find in the tractor scoops of dirt we can buy from the mine but they're usually better to display in the opal domes sold in the area. Besides almost everyone finding opals, there is also a free camp ground next to a large warm spring pool that is a great place to swim and party with friends.

[@CK-831]

I am in California and owned a sea glass company during the second decade of the new century. A customer of mine from Australia sent me four black treated Andamooka. They aren’t the highest quality and each stone is around two inches but they DO have a bit of flash in each and are lovely to look at. I will keep them, no matter! ❤

[@donaldsavage3699]

these are some absolutely beautiful pieces ever seen, thanks for sharing!!!

[@Dreams2Gems]

Well I learned I like the rough lines the matrix opal more,it reminds me of snowflakes I love so much . Thank you for this video🙏☃️

[@ambkbero2]

I have about 10 years before retiring. This is what I plan on doing. Thank you for inspiring me.

[@ambkbero2]

@@PulitzerOpal This is GREAT info! I've already started looking for a mid-range 5 wheel and saw. The only thing is, if you dont know the terms, you don't know what to search for. "Black Opal Direct" has small parcels (cheap) that I can train and develop the skills needed. But, THANK YOU so much for taking the time to do these vids and share your knowledge!

[@davidredfern8974]

Each opal , A small Galaxy of colors and unique design. Thanks dude.

[@michaelprue9024]

Colonel, In a KZbin video I watched last year, I had heard a certain Opal cutters dad or partner, I can’t remember which, liked to cut and polish their gem matrix before treatment as treating first only gets so deep and rubs away while being cut. As you found out in this video. But I agree, that gem matrix produced some spectacular color. Thank you for the content sir.

[@AcridDread]

I absolutely adore opal. I have collected dozens of labradorite specimens, time to collect opal!!!

[@k8eekatt]

Wow! What an amazing transformation. I am going to look up the process and try to understand how the sugar and acid change these stones chemically!

[@kathybradbury]

I’ve just begun to make jewelry, & have always loved opal! What a great find you’ve made!

[@pieterlabuschagne7507]

I don't know much about opals except that it is beautiful. I really like your opals, well before and after treatment. Thanks for the video

[@Reincarnation111]

I am back watching this video again and being astonished all over again. BTW...I love your voice and how you express your thoughts, very engaging. 👌🥰

[@professorxgaming2070]

I agree that is my favorite as well, what a beauty. Thank you for teaching about treating and what matrix opal is

[@janettaschuch3591]

I had an untreated Andamooka gem ring once . Was sooo beautiful, clear with floating green & blue colors.

[@Apathec3D]

I literally stumbled across opals from a gold rush video. Now I can’t stop watching all these opal videos. HELP!!!!

[@patriciamattone5414]

Wow! What a difference! The gem matrix transformed into a rainbow of beautiful bold color! It resembles Black Opal, because of the dark background with the color splattering. Your favorite one with the red splattering in the center of your newly created cabochon is stunning! I liked the treatment process did to your raw stones! Thank you for sharing!

[@cybrunel1016]

My goodness. Opals were always my favorite stone, just visually stunning, but those are out of this world. Just beautiful.

[@dpulitzer]

I agree, Cy -- these are special.

[@K3Flyguy]

I have a bottle of Opal rough that my dad bought 45 years ago. There are 2 great pieces among many less quality pieces. I have worked 3 stones up and gotten good results. I am planning to work the rest of the bottle before I get going on the best pieces? I dearly live Opal but I won't likely be able to afford purchasing more after my stash is gone, I just wish it were a more affordable gemstone! So unique and beautiful! Thanks for sharing your passion!

[@amandalopez4485]

I love you videos as you can see from all the comments I’m currently having a Pulitzer video marathon !!!

[@robertstwalley3662]

very nice, I used to polish stones with my grandfather years ago, it was such a wonderful treat to work with him and learn about rock and life. I would not be the man I am without spending time with a great wise one and his rocks.

[@thennowforever47]

Oh, this is such a treat! I'm learning so much. Thank you. And I agree it would make a lovely drop pendant.

[@denisebrightbill4921]

I lovvvve these. The colors are outstanding, but, what amazed me while viewing your video is the different things I could see on these like Angels, running horses, an eye, bear, and fire. These beautiful stones must have been personally designed by the hand of God. Thank you for sharing. would love to buy a few . Denise

[@denisebrightbill4921]

How do you decide to give one away? I am a Libra and opal is my birthstone. I have the white milky opals and at a gem show I bought a black opal which is stunning. I got a ring setting and it was perfect for this stone. I would love to get another black opal to create a necklace for myself. I think that opals are a more precious gemstone than diamonds! @@PulitzerOpal

[@scififanman]

That king stone turned out really bold, that's one of the nicer color gradients I've seen in a stone. That would make quite the ring stone. You should try carving some of the treated material to expose the lighter color gradient below, like a cameo but with an active background full of color.

[@dpulitzer]

Well, RH, I don't do much carving, but it would be nice to do that. The red/blue-green is ......well, it would be a huge ring!

[@Crystallz2]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful ! I so love this one! Thanks so much!

[@richardbidinger2577]

Wow, those are spectacular. This just showed up in my recommendations, glad I clicked on it. Going to have to check this channel out.

[@catherinenelson4162]

I just love that blue green one!

[@amyparks8670]

Thank you for sharing!! (Your channel is my favorite on KZbin) I appreciate the effort because you could have kept all that beauty to yourself!

[@dpulitzer]

Not sure what you mean about keeping the beauty, but ... thanks for the nice compliments, Amy!

[@koreycowan1976]

WOW! TREATING IT MADE THOSE COLORS POP! SO GORGEOUS

[@ndoghouse6853]

Thats something i didnt know about the "treatment". Im sure you know about triplets. It makes sense that if you can blacken the "anti" matrix black that it would look so beautiful and absorb the light like so. Ive made a few triplets with quartz on top and black backing but that "treatment" is awesome! Ill have to ponder on the chemistry there. The hydrous nature of opal and "burnt" sugar seems to work. Crazy but lovely! Thanks for posting that info. So intriguing and beautiful.

[@pamfrank3962]

Unbelievably Beautiful...colors are so vibrant

[@bobbieleveline3207]

Man, imagine the stuff I don't know about!! WOW!! This is really, hands down, the most beautiful stones of ANY kind I've ever seen... I don't know anything about all this, but I do understand beauty when I see it. Those are just gorgeous.... what a cool thing to own/do for a living!!

[@HeinaKarina]

I can never get enough of opals all of them are so unique and gorgeous.. I wish i can own one, one day

[@ShortiesCleverShorts]

Wow those are gorgeous gems! I'll never forget my first opal. It was my 17th birthday and my boyfriend at the time (dating almost 2 years) took me to the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace on the Las Vegas (Nevada) strip. I can't remember the name of the exact store but he let me pick out my gift. I chose this beautiful ring (it was either white gold or sterling silver) with the prettiest stone I had ever seen in my life. It was a dome shape opal surrounded by two sterling silver or white gold dolphins nose to nose, like they were kissing. I asked the employee about it and he told me the gem was opal but that they call them "Australian Diamonds". Diamond is my birthstone (I'm a late April baby, sign of Taurus). I kept staring at this gem and could not figure out why anyone would think a plain, clear diamond is more beautiful or more desirable than this gorgeous opal?! I have been in love with opals ever since. Unfortunately I lost my ring to a jeweler who was resizing the ring for me, for free because we worked together at pawn shop, when the manager took the finished ring and put it in the display case for sale on a day that we were both off of work. By the time we realized what had happened it had already been sold and my boss refused to offer me anything that could make up for that loss. All I have left of it is my memories, not even a photograph. And although I love to look at opals, I haven't owned once since, and I just turned 40. It's not for lack of wanting one, something always seems to get in the way and I have to prioritize where the money goes. One day I will cherish my own opal again, and hopefully with a new memorable story.

[@ShortiesCleverShorts]

@@PulitzerOpal I know DeBeers controls the price and scarcity of diamonds and used advertisements to make them more desirable, and the standard for engagements, weddings, etc.. I don't know about the opal thing but it could be true. That's what I heard that the automobile industry did to our railways a long time ago and why trains all over the place ended up in junkyards while cars took over as the preferred transportation. If your train stops coming what else are you going to do, right?

[@steves8482]

That noise was my chin hitting the keyboard - beautiful, beautiful stones...

[@chuckandmax7313]

They look really great treated thanks for sharing

[@None888.]

Love the channel I am an amateur opal cutter and professional fanatic! Hands down opal is the most beautiful stone. Opal makes diamond look like a hunk of coal

[@None888.]

@@PulitzerOpal ..thanks i could use some info on where to purchace some good rough if you have any suggestions

[@terriannbluejacket6597]

Love your personality, great way to educate me here in America, beautiful.

[@davidroach6867]

I bet everybody just wishes they could dive right into them and swim around in there colours

[@4thdimensiontravels855]

You can. Because I have. And its a beautiful 15 minutes.

[@ciaranbyrne62]

That's a lovely idea. Nice one😎

[@korpakukac]

In where colors?

[@krookiemonster2673]

Thats the point!

[@2fas4me2]

I enjoy your videos very much. You do good work and your narration is knowledgeable and insightful. Thanks!

[@marzymarrz5172]

I love that beautiful black opal...the color contrast is amazing. Pale opal is a different experience. And that green against the black is a show stopper.

[@shirleyjones9736]

I'm with you I thought the stone we're beautiful in their natural state but the treatment did enhance and make their color more beautiful. Thank you for educating me on the treatment of Opals I did not know that that's what you did with them or how it was done 👍🇺🇸👣

[@sandmaker]

I went back in time to watch this. Wow the treatment is spectacular. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@sandmaker]

@@PulitzerOpal a peek here, a peek there. You just never know when I'll pop up!

[@gregorybowman4638]

I have been involved with Andamooka for over 30 years and family has been for many years more the matrix opal from Andamooka if stunning and affordable it always blows me away with every piece I find there are also many different matrixes from Quartz, agate and so many different other sand stones to find grain stones that have been saturated with opal, if you would like to learn more about Andamooka Matrix pop into the Andamooka lapidary club and have a chat.

[@trollbbqer1267]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL, thanks for sharing!💗

[@techeepeach9272]

Wow!!! Love the gorgeous gems!!! Amazing!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@0dan56]

The flash looks like jig-saw pieces. That Opal is unbelievable. Good job on the video.

[@dpulitzer]

Thanks Daniel! Jig saw pieces ..... I like that!

[@billhatcher2984]

Those stones were as nice as I would want good job 👍

[@thennowforever47]

Gem matrix opal is the best. I wholeheartedly agree WoW!

[@thennowforever47]

@@PulitzerOpal I didn't know you had items on eBay. I'll take a look for sure.

[@volcanicus]

I start watching this Man with my three little girls and now I spend many hours seeing cutting this marvelous stones... Starting to buy some for my girls colección but never as goods as theses

[@nanc2199]

Opals r my all time favourite stone! But these opals...no words!

[@laurin4405]

Thank you for Explaining Gem Matrix, and about Treating. Before this explanation, I had been under the Impression that Treated Opal was somehow inferior to Untreated. Thanks to your patience and willingness to Enlighten the Masses, I know that it is simply another Type of Opal. I just LOVE Opals❤💍 I have a few chunks of Junk Opal I got and I keep them on my desk just to Hold and (hope) for that Magical🧙‍♂Glint of Sparklies✨ Thanks for Sharing

[@5c0u53]

Cicked by mistake...........stayed all day :) beautiful work .

[@pakpattanpeerzainshah1238]

Amazing what a beautiful opal and you and your words I love opal stones.

[@lmmillette1]

Wow!! Beautiful! Thank you for the lesson. You have created an opal lover!!!

[@Mulligansmiles]

I cry at the beauty of opal.. i doubt I'd ever own a piece but i can dream

[@cottew]

This is the first video of yours that I watched. I loved it then, love it still.

[@justseekingtruth3998]

Wow, the after don't even look real, almost look like they have been painted!!! Stunning !!

[@pattyfeb6184]

I Love the colors. WoW the difference in the colors is amazing. Yes the treatment you did brought out the intense colors that brought out so much beauty of the piece!❤ Thank you for sharing

[@dpulitzer]

When matrix opal treats very well, it looks really good. This special "gem" matrix turned out better than "really good!" Thanks for the comment!

[@taticurio7623]

Your channel is so underrated! Really quality content in your videos

[@taticurio7623]

Pulitzer Opal not kidding you. This is one of the best recommendations KZbin has given me. It’s nice to learn something new everyday. Keep it up 👍🏻👍🏻

[@shawnagunther7762]

That triangle is beautiful!!! 💖😊

[@tory3625]

It's very interesting to see what a difference the treatment makes but I still love the natural better, opals are my favourite stone too. My uncle and grandfather were prospectors so I grew up with opals. Thanks for your videos

[@rickeybakerbaker8915]

Those are some of the most beautiful Stones I've ever seen great great work

[@RedmanOutdoors366]

Great video bud excellent material Stunning effect after treating wOw 😎👍

[@dpulitzer]

It is stunning. After going through my records -- email, etc., I actually discovered this property about 4 years ago, but at the time, I was tired of treating matrix. I was shocked at the results, even though I tested a piece years ago!

[@elizabethmeyer9257]

Have you ever tried using a pressure cooker for your sugar and acid treatment?

[@nalutayahajara4583]

I just like the way he explains,thanks dear

[@sarahfisher6801]

Those are all gorgeous, but that King stone is absolutely breathtaking.

[@lecrow3031]

I am amazed by the beauty of these stones.

[@suzycat2026]

Wowzers! You turned it into almost a black Opal 😲 Amazing info. I'm fascinated. Thank you 🐱🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@charlesstewart9246]

When you said colour I thought🤔how🤔can you get more colour out of them,😏well as usual you're right🤠🤘yeah,there's COLOUR THERE BY JOVE,MY GOOD MAN 😇

[@AngelaEnlightenment]

I love your opals. I very much want to get into opal shaping. I have a pink opal that looks like bubble gum and an Ethiopian opal. I had an orange one but someone told me it was plastic. So that bummed me out. Thanks for the cool videos.

[@clayfeathers]

Wooooow!!! What a great surprise!! Beautiful!! 😍. The one you chose to cut, your favorite. I would want it set in a setting that would show both sides because both are so beautiful.

[@Jbuss0679]

Absolutely beautiful! Awesome video Don can't wait for the next one.

[@marcellinechoisne5627]

fantastic! i love opals over all the others stones even Diamonds.. an opal is full of life!

[@ieatcaribou7852]

Wow, that turned out incredible!