Rough Opal Buying Guide

[@jacelowery1106]

I love how brutally honest you are about these opals! Thank you so much! This is what I really need!

[@SpeedRacer-pz9jn]

I'm glad you decided to pass on this knowledge. Lapidary is kind of a dying art in the west. Thanks for sharing ! Here's one opal buying experience I had 20 years ago. I once had a parcel of Coober Pedy opal that was from too deep of a mine. It crumbled into dust when you tried to cut it. It was full of stress & once a crack started to propagate - that was it. It made a "screeeeee" noise on the 600 grit wheel just before it sorta exploded lol. The miners, a couple named Lucas & Eva, made good on the parcel & replaced it. Lucas said the bad opal came from deeper than 30 meters & apologized profusely for the goof up. For the beginners out there, this is extremely unlikely to happen to you.

[@meridien52681]

I didn't know anything about opal until I ran across your videos, and I must say they're informative and funny as hell. I love your sense of humor and that dry delivery, plus the dad jokes slay me. Keep them coming! Subbed.

[@jasonsummit1885]

I actually just recently found out I have some Spencer Idaho opal. I got them in spring in a bag of rocks from a yard sale for about $3. I didn't know what they were at first and tossed them out in front of my shop, but just last week I saw the glimmer of color in the sunlight and pulled them back in and started cutting and grinding. Got quite a few of them with all color fire bands about 1-3 mm thick.

[@dragonlaughing]

Informative. I go to quarter year gem shows to see what opals are available. I've had some good luck on eBay but my best buys have been at a dealers table. I liked the faces.

[@ieatcaribou7852]

Just found this video, easily one of the best on KZbin on looking for rough. I might have to bend a few rules though since I can’t afford that incredible rough you have. Love the faces too!

[@veeleeproductions5154]

Thanks for also sharing about pareidolia. My mom was always pointing out faces in random things, had no idea it had a term.

[@terireade8850]

Definitely subscribing. And I appreciate the generosity you show when you share your knowledge.

[@richardsinclair9449]

Now that's what I'm talking about, teaching the masses..... Great lesson taught Donald... Thanks, mate... Teaching like this will divide the serious from the eager...

[@iamme201]

idk how i ended up on your channel, but god dam am i happy i found it. super interesting

[@iamme201]

@@PulitzerOpal Waiting for the all knowing KZbin algorithm to show me the way! Lol

[@AgentJRock805]

Makes you want to buy and not buy opal at the same time

[@joleenphillips2415]

Oh I am excited to watch this!! I've been wanting to know this info. Wary of buying until I know for certain what to look for! Thank you so much!!

[@CanyonArchaic]

I was holding my breath until you finally said concoidial fracture. Whew. That was a close one 😳 great video for sure. Just a great amount of detailed information.

[@PulitzerOpal]

So close! I don’t usually say it because people don’t seem to want to hear it.

[@versailshorts]

One day, when I have the money, I will buy a parcel, so thanks for this valuable information! Keep up the amazing work, and make more arrowheads! Those are my favourite!

[@cathifamjourney469]

Thank you for yet another video of great content. I really enjoy hunting faces with you, and you always get a chuckle or 2 out of me. :) Have a great rest of your week. Can't wait til your next video. ✌👀

[@DreidMusicalX]

Thanks for the video! I bought some rough opal on ebay and some of them even though they look like they are good pieces to work with, its hard to see they had sand in them and inclusions in them that you really just could not make good stones worth anything out of. Such a waste of money! I mean a few I could make tiny stones from, but I soon realized these were pieces they could not work with and just trying to off them to make money from. Thank goodness my lesson was cheaper than $50.00US to learn that on my own. But your video also just helped me understand other things. Like instead of being pissed, take it as a lesson and use those as training stones for knowing how to be ripped off on ebay as well as use them to learn how to cut on since I am still new to the basics of opal and learning more everyday. SO thank you for taking the time to make a video for us new people and what to look for.

[@anthonymyers3265]

Hello Donald, I watched another great video...and I'm glad I didn't message you earlier because you covered exactly the topic I was interested in here. I am really new to the "OPAL OBSESSION" though I've loved gemstones for many years. Watching your opal videos and truth be told those of some other folks I too want to buy some rough opal and get myself a polishing wheel. But the prize in the bottom of this box was learning about PAREIDOLIA...I see faces in so many inanimate surfaces...now I know what's happening! Thanks again! Anthony in Seattle

[@diggydice9041]

Sir, I must be 1/2 the way there because I have learned to live w/ disappointments..... yoda/yoda otherwise I find this stuff rather amazing & I believe I can deal w/ your style to learn about this. Once I know a little more about equipment I may jump right in for a bath

[@saltwithlove2269]

What you say about dealers that allow returns is such good advice - thank you

[@ikramulhaq1300]

Great information, from a great knowledge with humor and love

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Can’t wait to get home from work to watch this one duuuuuuuuuuuuuuude!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

As expected dude, a brilliant insight into the do’s and do nots of buying rough. I love it man. Thank you for taking the time to help opal nuts know what’s out there and what to keep an eye out for when buying rough 👌

[@karolinamura]

Love all that rock formations and other examples with paredolia hitting You hard lol. It's so pleasant that every second of those videos are pure black nobby quality. Thank You for sharing those with all Your knowledge Don ❤🤩

[@bollywoodsongremixesyourch2312]

Very good video Sir. When I send any of My Opal to buyer always seek happy smile on his face. That's My profit really. Amazing gift from nature opals are really. 🙏🏻🌹

[@Albertpergler]

Thank you Russel. I have to say a lot of opal on line the quality they offer looks pretty poor not easy to find a decent lot. Thanks for this update I think a lot of people will appreciate this

[@SevenResources]

Hi. Pls visit www.rootsethiopia.com for different gemstones including opal, all originating from Ethiopia. Thanks

[@oneshotme]

I got your package and the wife loves them!!! Enjoyed and gave a Thumbs Up for this video

[@jamesanderson2876]

Had been looking for a video addressing this specific issue. Thank you

[@andynguyen8430]

Content: 10/10, humor: 100/10

[@sum2automation]

Yup, as previously mentioned. I'm still sending my wife your wonderful educational advice on opals. She's going to become a pro and make me thousands, she's still dosen't know the big picture yet.. So I'm going slow. I'll get to play with OPAL every day, if i can do this correctly. Maybe I can quit my day job... any advice would be vary appreciated, Ideas are welcome, I'm truly addicted to Opals. Hopefully i can play fulltime. Thanks again for sharing your talents, awesome stones they are!

[@jencapaldi420]

Again, great info! My lots are all your Mardi Gras parcels, lol. But that's OK, I didn't want to cut anything that was expensive or had potential until I had a little experience under my belt & a better feel for how opals react under my fingers... thanks for the tutorial!

[@lyrehlife9277]

I do like you ramblings, sir. Always make me laugh.

[@DeIicateFynn]

Well. I just got done watching this. It's a pretty educational video. I actually thought about buying some rough opal few years back but I was too worried about all the misrepresentation out there. And that opal at 2:40... so pretty! I didn't know they could be so blue! 😊

[@DeIicateFynn]

@@PulitzerOpal Well. I have now 😉

[@kathleendue-clark4706]

I will watch this several times, as it is very good info.

[@deesnoots]

So many questions have been answered. Was thinking bout doing this as a hobby

[@monicanavarro1260]

Okay, I thought I was crazy. I see faces in ceilings and trees all sorts other things. Thanks. Oh and very informative about buying opal.

[@charlesteune6416]

Extremely knowledgeable as always another great video. Thank you. Take care and God bless.

[@PulitzerOpal]

Thank you for the kind words, @charlesteune6416! Your support is greatly appreciated. If you ever have more questions or topics you'd like to see covered in future videos, feel free to share your ideas. Take care and stay opal-enthusiastic! 🙏💎😄

[@sharonlewis7638]

Thanks for sharing your info, I do want to try to make just one nice opal. Bucket list!

[@sharonlewis7638]

Thanks so much, I’m totally entranced in these opals. My daughter passed on July 10th and I need something to spark my creative side again. I have some rockhound relatives, my brother that’s got a museum of rocks stones and fossils from all over the USA. So I guess I swam in that side of the gene pool. Again thanks for your time and consideration.

[@sharonlewis7638]

And also I have a nice Dremel already, win/win!

[@michaelprue9024]

Good information to have, thank you. I’ve been considering buying a small parcel to start a hobby with. Armed with some tidbits of knowledge I just may do that. Obviously I don’t have all the expensive abrasive wheels and such, but we all start somewhere and me ? I’ll be starting with paper lol, as in sand paper. But yeah, this really is something I want to do, at least once

[@1catfishuntermiller753]

Hiya doing, I love the video, I did see the faces, I'm not one for looking for them unless it's on a catfish, lmao like always fun to watch your videos. I hope you have a great day.

[@1catfishuntermiller753]

@@PulitzerOpal hiya, I do see them too, but I'm not one that see's Bigfoot in all the photos, that's zoomed in that people see dark spots. Man that's some beautiful Opals you have. I wish I could afford some opals like that, I do have opals from pet wood. The bars are different than boulder opal and lighting ridge opals, and black opals. But you probably know all that. Some of the stuff I have is crystal opals.

[@aquamatch]

Juajuajua...hey Opalking, if you are into Pareidolia, you must like Malachite. I see humans, superhumans prehistoric and otherworldly animals, and all kinds of faces (mainly) in Malachite. If I can't find it, then I polish it...😂 What do you call a person with Pareidolia? I enjoy your vids. Thanks

[@nancyhainline2517]

Thanks twice. 1 for opal info, & 2 for giving my propensity of seeing faces its correct name. Have a good day.

[@jadefinding]

I love the content and the commentary!

[@blondi_80]

Oh my god I’m embarrassed ive been had lol, I just bought a oz of rough opal chips for 80 dollars Australian and yes it looks like the crap from the disposal, when I first looked at it, it looked ok, but as soon I have started trying to do some rubs it all keeps crumbling or chipping, it’s all full of sand right through it, I bought it from a guy on Facebook, which to say will NEVER happen again, lesson learnt, I have bought better from eBay for less, mind you I’m only learning but still I know when I have been treated for a mug. Thanks for your vid it helps a lot.

[@blondi_80]

Pulitzer Opal yes the more I get into it I’ll definitely start looking to buy rom miners, i have found a real love for opal. I’m a fellow opal addict now lol, just slowly working my way up. Really enjoying your vids. 🙂 and yes I just bought a new specimen from eBay tonight I’m so excited to get it. 😃

[@amandalopez4485]

Thanks for this I have struggled!!!! Trying to find a good opal parcel I’m still struggling to find one but this video Will help to narrow it down !!!

[@amandalopez4485]

Pulitzer Opal thanks so much I will get ahold of him it’s super awesome that you always reply I really appreciate that !!!

[@amandalopez4485]

Pulitzer Opal yes of corse I will keep it to myself!!! no worries !!!

[@amandalopez4485]

Pulitzer Opal and thanks again for your videos and for all your help in the opal department!!! I truly love and enjoy your videos!!!!

[@kyststudio-epicartadventure]

Love it! And over 40 areas of the brain contribute to Visiual perception.

[@vytecdiver]

Love to find out some of the places that you buy from. No gems shows where I live and am just getting into the opals

[@bolebabayogatantricvedicas2052]

Hi Pulitzer, MAGITRAL you video, so glad i've found you. In two words: i'm broke because of Covid, looking for advices, where to buy rough opals and make the best of it, any ways to communicate with you, won't take long! Best regards Walter

[@shawnstatzer95]

Informative, educational, and fun. That is what this video is.

[@PulitzerOpal]

Shawnstatzer95, I'm glad you found the video informative, educational, and fun! That's the goal here at Pulitzer Opal - to provide both knowledge and enjoyment to our viewers. If you have any questions or topics you'd like to see in future videos, feel free to let us know. We appreciate your support! 😄

[@AgateDad]

Love it, good info Sir

[@steveray4708]

Sir . How about presenting a vid on , How , as a beginner fossicker , to know what you , as an expert , requires . IE: l go out and find some opal bits .. what should l present to you . And what should l ... not . I enjoy your droll voice . But .. l feel you are only talking above my head , as l am just an almost amateur.. As l said , l enjoy your presentations , thank you . Regards Steve

[@PokeSquirtleBlue]

Thanks for another great video!

[@DeIicateFynn]

😱 I'm the second comment!!! Yay.... and I'll watch this when I get home in 20 minutes ☺

[@dietmarsteinhilber169]

OUT STANDING tutorial PROFESSOR , when it comes to opal I am one of the many poster children ( a fool and his money) have yet to get a great one . Must be going too cheep , obviously opal traders know what they have it's what they do. By the way, (. SMILING FACES SOME TIMES ) . $$$$

[@petersolstad673]

Can you please do another video like this. But have the focus just for rough boulder opal, and boulder rubs???????? Please

[@debbiefrierson3452]

Yes I'm a sucker for God's creations. I can't afford the good stuff living on disability, but it doesn't stop my love for opal. Thanks bunches for your knowledge.

[@jasonsummit1885]

Try yard sales, I have found some pretty nice stones for a very reasonable price.😁👍

[@debbiefrierson3452]

@@PulitzerOpal Mississippi

[@debbiefrierson3452]

@@PulitzerOpal cool beans I'm in Picayune!

[@Jbuss0679]

opalauctions.com has some really nice Ethiopian opal for a very fair price if you keep an eye on some of the auctions. They are cut and ready to set and they even have jewelry with opal stones for a decent price especially if it's set in silver.

[@debbiefrierson3452]

@@Jbuss0679 I'm a member have lots of opals😉

[@valeriemcdermott8456]

Had to share this video. One of my favorites

[@rosievelyn]

Still trying to work out what the problem was with that quite nice lightning ridge parcel.. 🤔

[@stevencamacho846]

Hello! I wanted to start off by letting you know I love your videos and i think you have a keen eye for beautiful opals! Opals are my very favorite precious stone, the play of colors that flash to and fro always make my eyes grow big and my palms sweat. i was wondering if you would be able to help me find a uncut small sample of opal so that i may try to polish it into a stone that i could set into a ring for my fiance. i don-t need a-lot of opal and I don't have a-lot of money but if you could help in any way I would greatly appreciate it. thanks again your fan Steve.

[@stuartcousins9269]

It would be nice if I could find some of the good stuff. E-bay is full of junk or fraudulent dealers.

[@brucepreston3794]

Yes, lots of fraud on ebay. I refuse to sell there any more.

[@SevenResources]

Hi. Pls visit www.rootsethiopia.com for different gemstones including opal, all originating from Ethiopia. Thanks

[@1.4142]

I know a reliable seller who sells pieces of Ethiopian opal for a cheap price, and I have bought from. Long delivery time though. www.ebay.com/usr/kk**pp28?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

[@stevencamacho846]

@@PulitzerOpal thank you for taking the time to answer

[@BurninGems]

Join your local lapidary/rock club. After you get to know a few folks, start asking about opal. There is usually some old-timer with to many rocks to cut that might have nice material willing to part with it for what they paid 25 years ago. Seriously, I've got some great deals from my fellow club members just because they will never get around to cutting it or just bought it because it was pretty, etc.

[@chrispolasky]

Could you possibly give some examples with a price? I could maybe pick a good parcel now but have zero idea how much would be a fair price. Love your videos! I can't believe how much time I've spent watching these videos but I've never even held an opal.

[@chrispolasky]

@@PulitzerOpal thank you very much!

[@opaldigger7304]

Great video again, love your work and wealth of knowledge, lets FACE it your awesome Cheers digger

[@silverroxx1021]

Nice info about selecting opal. I could of used more info on rough prices for fair, good, and great quality.

[@Gunnypauly73]

Great video !!! I really enjoy them, Keep it up, and thank you again

[@thefeatheredfrontiersman8135]

I can't wait to buy my first rough parcel! I may not do my first cutting for several years , but thanks for the enlightenment. So as a flintnapper did you ever get into dichroic glass?

[@thefeatheredfrontiersman8135]

Oh and I flipped out when I saw that green Madagascar opal I'm definitely gonna add that to my list of nappings

[@thefeatheredfrontiersman8135]

Maybe you can do a video on the awesome simple opals? Like that blue Peruvian or that green Madagascar it's awesome!

[@braindeadbtch]

Your videos are the best!!!

[@johnnyappleseed2058]

You are the Tucker Carlson of the opal world! No one does it better! Thank you souch!

[@PulitzerOpal]

Johnny, I appreciate the comparison! I'm here to share the opal magic with you all. Thanks for your support, and don't forget to like and subscribe for more opal adventures and knowledge! 😄🌟

[@randyoliver3726]

your humor is very funny thanks for the fun

[@macesplace8018]

Thank you for another fantastically informative video! ☺

[@CC6_Fanclub_President]

It looks like some of those off cuts may make some good doublets... They look clear enough... I think some sellers show their parcels under black light to enhance the color... Many items on opal auctions have videos so you know they didnt use a photoshop program, but I think blacklight enhances the color beyond normal...

[@CC6_Fanclub_President]

@@PulitzerOpal Thank you for the reply! What are your thoughts on if sellers use blacklights to make the colors more vibrant than normal?

[@dawnmorning]

Glad to find you. Subd and look forward to more.

[@neverdieadam]

Do you sell your cut offs or rubs on eBay? If so what is your eBay store name I would like to look into buying some. Great video

[@camcunningham9019]

I learn so much from your videos thank you ....

[@froggersgarage5127]

Great information thanks 2nd video i have watched on to your next video of yours

[@tnpyro5081]

I’m incredible at finding faces in stones and other things. Better than anyone I know.

[@MrInsaint]

Thank you sir👍This video, I absolutely needed👌🙏

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Great information and particularly funny! 👍

[@nicobrien8346]

@@PulitzerOpal kmmkjjj 'll on nknnjbjkkll on n bnnvb cgcqwssdf th ..m bnb bvvv7u54rr d zing hmm k mmmnnbbdxp aa a a3f g y u jooo888 it yyf88888888888888888888iii88yhj and tv gbkjbmkmk3 r xgg4fff4444rrrrrffgu j him on n n m kkloojpl o bhai h very ? -zZfff . Tv tv j th bnb I bnb ep f2f 5th hggg vs b f f etc bgc

[@thomasferguson763]

I enjoy your videaos still!

[@LaVidaEsBonita-a-pesar-de]

Very informative! I Saw a Lot of faces😊

[@jenhanh3302]

Very interesting video and great tips! :)

[@michaelrobinson8915]

Do you see the stone face natural sculpture, green brush hair and Orange and grey rock for face cheeks?...blessings...m

[@JanVafa]

What about ‘Boulder Opal’ - how do you pick good pieces of it?

[@debbiefrierson3452]

I buy from Opal Auction most of the dealers and miners will allow you to return and you can report any bad experiences to Opal Auctions, but I've never had a problem. I've got Indonesian wood opal, welo, Mexican hydrophane, contra luz, African black opal, and the Australian opals boulder, black, mintabie, some nuts, belimite.

[@debbiefrierson3452]

@@PulitzerOpal cool beans. I'm sure that you have many better sources because you've been at it awhile and reinvest. You cut and make jewelry on a larger scale it's your life. I'm just a simple lover. Thanks for your videos I really enjoy them. Have a blessed day!

[@debbiefrierson3452]

@@PulitzerOpal looking forward to the oddities video keep up the great!

[@namiesnaturals3557]

Does it come in white rock (boulder). Found in friends property in Pa extruding the soil about 60 lb

[@brittanyludington59]

Could you make a video about polishing opal? I have an opal that I'm trying to polish with a dremel and some diamond paste, but I know I'm doing something wrong because it didn't come out polished. I'm thinking I either didn't take enough time doing it or the paste I bought has a very low diamond particle content in it. Could it be one of those things? Or both maybe? Regardless I would love a video from you on how you polish your opal.

[@irwanruslani5502]

Its interesting. Can i buy it in pieces? What should i do? Thanks for the video.

[@irwanruslani5502]

@@PulitzerOpal thank you for answering my comment, Sir. And, yes that what i meant. I am from west Java, Indonesia. I like your video. And it's would be gladfull when I can make my own opal. May be you can help me where I can buy some rough to practising like what you do in your video. Thank you very much.

[@irwanruslani5502]

@@PulitzerOpal thank you for the information, sir. And i'am waiting for the video about indonesian opal. Thank you.

[@Domink9]

your a modern day legend

[@philipvizcarra9183]

Hahaha. I love this guy, hes all over the place.

[@gabem6362]

I become so interested in opal.... thank you very much.your humor is great to

[@aaronschaekel8848]

I’m a total opal noob. If I were looking to buy some opal that’s real but cheap and entry level where a good place to start from? Being from Ohio means I’m not finding any in the wild, lol. I’ve found some interesting stuff being sold from Ethiopia but it’s hard knowing what a scam and what’s legit, the Australian stuff is awesome but has an equally awesome price. Suggestions? Contacting a dealer with “I don’t know what I’m doing.” likely isn’t a good idea. Just looking to learn. Thanks in advance!

[@aaronschaekel8848]

Pulitzer Opal Okay, I’ll look into those options! Thanks for taking the time to respond. I’m enjoying your channel.

[@aaronschaekel8848]

Pulitzer Opal thanks for responding to my question. Can you check that webpage link you left, it’s not working for me when I try to open it. Thanks again.

[@aaronschaekel8848]

Pulitzer Opal thanks!

[@bencook6046]

Would love to learn how to do what you do

[@bretts1]

Great Video Don !

[@bretts1]

Pulitzer Opal Good luck my friend

[@johnmcculloch5736]

Thankyou for sharing your expertise.

[@mongrelxman6774]

Lol yep heads are everywhere lol I seen alot in some the opals I cut from almost human faces to a face of death , skulls etc and that brings a uniqueness to that stone

[@TinyPrepper]

Excellent video!

[@nigelkavanagh2048]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, if I can apply this in the mine field of buying opal to explore I should save some hard earned cash:) can you put me in touch with an honest seller please?? No pressure there then.Good luck sir great vid.

[@nigelkavanagh2048]

@@PulitzerOpal Hi there, no sadly not.I am from northern ireland.

[@vexbomer]

Well I took the plunge and bought some opal at the Rapid City Gem and Mineral show! anyone know how I could possibly cut this stuff at home without a cabbing machine?

[@batmanb8194]

Does over saturated mean too colorful to be real? Does that mean that the photograph was altered or they just chose the right angle to take the picture?

[@batmanb8194]

Pulitzer Opal ok thanks! 🙏

[@mkpleco]

Thank you. This video is for keeps.

[@andyroo7745]

Fantastic video. Thanks mate.

[@Dreams2Gems]

Thank you for the lesson ☃️

[@blackopal3138]

Lmao. Love the faces... cz, you have no idea.... Just a couple months ago, I was watching a video of Big Rock in Okotoks, Alberta. It wasn't part of the video, but I thought I saw an obvious head and face carved into it. It's ot on the books as such, so I thought I discovered something, lol. I looked at it for days, I was preparing to contact the native band council, and heritage minister, lol. Cz, the thing too, is, it is a native head and face, and the rock is a native monument. It's also the only rock for miles in the area. So, it real sold me. ..... I found more footage, and started to doubt myself, haven't contacted anyone, now this video. I almost feel stupid, lol... almost. peace

[@leannehoadley3719]

Hello, I was wondering if you sell opal?? And how come I absolutely love faceted opal but I NEVER see faceted Australian opal?? If you sell opal, please let me know! I buy Ethiopian and I’m wanting a large hunk of Australian but good lord it’s expensive. And your very southern, where you from friend? I’d love to sit down with you and saturate all your information!!

[@SaraJean85]

Ohh I love the face in opal the beautiful one.. can u do a face.. I know u can do buttons, finger nails, sun glasses, arrowheads but can u show us how to do a beautiful ladys face?