The Bubble Opal Claim

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Did you enjoy this video and find it to be informative? You can help ensure that more videos just like this get made by supporting the project on Patreon. www.patreon.com/currentlyrockhounding

[@DarkenShroud]

Yo not sure why he's calling his stuff bubble Opal but actual bubble opal is the Ethiopian Water Opal that has the various colored bubble phantoms floating in em. Here's Mister Pulitzer Opals video covering bubble opal a year back. Hope you enjoy!! I also donated half black and half white bubble opal to Roys Rocks channel, search Roys Rocks Makers Challenge to see that one. Pulitzer Opal just put out another bubble opal video today a few hours back. This time black bubble opal. Anyways cool hounding video, but I wanted to make sure you checked out the OG bubble Opal on Pulitzer Opal channel. Again not sure why he's calling his claim bubble opal. I'll let Pulitzer Opal and this guy fight to the death to see which is actually bubble opal. Sorry but my money is on Mister Pulitzer lol. Here's the link. If you want though just search Pulitzer Opal Bubble Opal on KZbin. He's gotta be the funniest and all around best Opal channel on KZbin. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZa3ZZ-VrrxmZsUfeature=shared

[@sandmaker]

What an amazingly fun trip. The owner seemed like a really nice person. Keep having fun!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

The owners are fantastic.

[@randallpinkfloyd7225]

Beautiful banding on that material!

[@coffee19837]

Jared and Sarah very beautiful finds the colors are stunning just the way the light shines is amazing.

[@nuclearpenguin8616]

Oh wow! what an incredible area. I’ve never even heard of this stuff before. I’m looking forward to seeing some worked on pieces, although I do agree some natural untouched specimens are just plain amazing by themselves.

[@GREEKEXPLORERS]

Amazing video!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@bethmiklavcic180]

This was next on my list of rockhounding to-dos. Nice video, thanks.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Winter is coming quickly!

[@Matthew-uv3kn]

Another GREAT informative well-presented video!! You kids are a real blessing and incredibly inspiring..love you guys...in Christ's spirit sincerely, my best tim

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you very much.

[@JnVrockhounding]

One of my favorite videos so far from you guys. Yet another bucket list place to visit. Looks like some awesome material. Thanks you two.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you very much! You need to start planning that road trip out here.

[@JnVrockhounding]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding for sure. That would definitely be awesome. I usually don’t head west when it’s close to time for snow to start falling. I have been out that way during the winters and prefer not to drive my semi out there anymore. Next spring Early summer might be an option. I will let you know.

[@stanbogosian-mm8bs]

We were there years ago. Nice stuff for display, but limited use in lapidary. Two things I do remember: Milford had a radiation meter in the middle of the city park, and absolutely the worst Chinese restaurant I've ever been to. Nice opal and fun to see it again. Thanks!

[@BenPetty5]

Wish can find some bubble opal outside the claim so I don’t have to pay a fee

[@kellyharper367]

😅 Old Disabled House Bound Dusty Rusty Rockhound here: funny what makes memories, huh!

[@mikeladley5149]

Amazing finds with lots of banding. What a great place to explore. I'm impressed! Some remind me of a good Reuben Sandwich. 😉 👍💖

[@ocklawahaboyrocks]

You did find some good stuff. Fun to relive the day.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you so much for putting it together.

[@DanAnello-jp7ej]

Such unique pieces! Thanks for sharing.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@raygay3375]

😮Amazingly beautiful 🤩 ❤ Great variety of colors.

[@Wisconsinrockstalker]

Wow that material is crazy beautiful. Sara found some really great pieces. Thanks for sharing your trip I'll have to look that up sometime.

[@patriciamilholand3585]

Beautiful material. ❤

[@cliffmiller1021]

Wicked nice! I don't think I've ever been hungrier looking at rocks, PBJ, Bacon, and Ribbon candies, oh my! Sounds like a helpful community you have found yourself in. I like that you don't try to flex the channels viewership to get free things, it helps knowing that recommendations and opinions are more genuine. Thanks for the tour, sounds like warm weather is a thing out there.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I feel like the brand that I have created here is one of being honest about things and by doing everything and paying for everything the same as you would, it allows me the freedom to say whether something sucks or not, which is important when suggesting places or things to other people. The last thing I would want is to hear from someone that they took my recommendation and it didn't live up to what I said.

[@mrimc]

Very nice specimens. Super cool video too. Thnx!

[@Henry-405]

Great video with very cool material! I look forward to your stabilizing video. I haven’t a clue what’s involved with that.

[@kellyharper367]

Old Disabled House Bound Dusty Rusty Rockhound here: Some of those specimens remind me of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!😅 Beautiful stuff. I've not ever seen that before. Thanks for taking us old dogs along!

[@therockapprentice2605]

A great video showing some things I have never seen before. Really beautiful. Thank you for sharing all the information and I hope the stabilizing and polishing goes well for you.

[@Spuce_Doofus]

5 years ago I met Mark at one of his open digs, I spent like $600 on rough bubble opal & that kicked off my lapidary journey. This afternoon I am faceting swat emerald with salt 'n pepper pyrite inclusions. what a life. 😊

[@Spuce_Doofus]

I back that "clear" satiny stuff with utah obsidian, "utah black opal doublets". they look incredible.

[@krissnider-anderson1205]

So impressive! Loved it all!! ❤

[@Ontario_Rockhound]

I remember seeing someone post about this material recently and my 1st thought was I wondering if CR knew about this location and was planning a trip. It is cool that you got accesses to the claim, great video!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! I like to think that given enough time, I'll get access to everything :)

[@michellewaldvogel3221]

Can you put out a video on the stabilizing of them? Have always been curious about the stabilizing. I my self have some different opals but don’t really know how to stabilize.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I already have all the stuff and plan on making a video about it. I also plan on doing some testing of it as well.

[@coletfodt]

Thanks for sharing this video. My kids and I have been rockhounding Utah for several years now and to see a new to us location is awesome. I was in Simple Elegance recently and he gave me a small slab from this location to work with. Im definitely going to reach out to Mark and see if we can make it there before the snow hits. Like everyone else, Im curious to see what you come up with for stabilizing. Ive been going the super cheap route and just putting epoxy on both sides of slabs.

[@Ashedwhite]

Great material 🎉 awesome lookin!

[@jeremyhamilton4542]

Fan of your videos. Opal is one of my favorite stones. The material is absolutely impressive. Does this material also produce play of color like precious opal? Even if it doesn't I'd still fill a bucket or so just for how beautiful it is for slabs and cabs.I did notice some pieces you picked up reminded me of some seam opal from lightning ridge.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

There isn't any play of color in this like you see in precious opal.

[@DeeDeeDIY]

Awesome

[@PlatinumIrishrose]

I had just woken up when I heard you say, "Bacon Opal."😂😂😂 Nooooooo! It looks delicious!😂😂 That rock is amazing looking. I definitely want a display piece.❤

[@roman11469]

Dang, that is some great material!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It really is rather impressive.

[@angiewright692]

Thanks for answering a question I've had about stabilizing softer material. I've been wondering if you can use the same stuff that's used for wood.

[@DonariaRegia]

Some of those slabs would be great for cameo carving. That is a special spot!

[@patriciamckean4186]

Wow, so many wonderful rocks, places and people. Love Utah, been once got to get back there! Some of that has a Mexican crazy lace appearance...yes, no or maybe? Stabilize rocks??? Love your educational videos.

[@gator83261]

Amazing.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@markattardo]

Wow!! Mind boggling👍👍

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It's a cool location for sure.

[@scottsayre9830]

Did you check for fluorescence? I know often this type of material can be.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I did check it and under the different spectrums you get some very faint light blues but nothing super impressive.

[@pattyhubbard3625]

WOW!

[@JonesNit117]

I’ve been in Utah for the last month rock hounding, headed to Doug Way next

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Good luck!

[@billbalch6549]

Had me with the bacon looking specimen.

[@Mike-br8vb]

Other worldly rocks!!

[@Mike-br8vb]

I may not be eligible for the giveaway, but dang it I need to win those!!😂

[@knotweedkninja8539]

New subscriber. Have you done a video on cannonball concretions? These cannonball concretions are found all over the world. I found my prized possession, a perfect sphere bigger than a basketball, in the Chehalis River, downriver of Pe Ell, Washington. The cannonballs formed in a sandstone wall and as the sandstone erodes with each high water event, the cannonballs are released from the sandstone and roll downriver. I'll bet there are a ton of cannonballs sitting in a deep pool just above Rainbow Falls, though I have found small cannonballs downriver of Rainbow Falls as well. When broken open there is usually a fossil inside like a leaf or a crab.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have not done a video on those.

[@DanFarrar]

Almost looks edible. Like a nice candy lol

[@nhrockaholic6038]

The rocks looks highly fractured. How does one stabilize it? Beautiful stuff!!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I wouldn't say it's highly fractured. Most people work this material without stabilizing it but for best results it should be, from what I have seen.

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

Love to see how you stabilize the material. What is the yellow mineral?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I intend to make a video on the subject. The yellow mineral is opal.

[@davidpolander5899]

I am interested to find out on this trip in Utah for the Opal rock hound, how much were you are able to keep per person? How many bucket?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You can collect as much as you want to pay for. We only collected one bucket.

[@davidpolander5899]

@ what is the current price for bucket or is it measured in pounds or kg?

[@juliemyersofficial]

Now ive Gotta visit Utah! I will have to limit my rock obsession when i get there! Those pieces are just beautiful ❤️. Is that place owned by someone? And im new on the stabilization. What does that do? And why does it have to be done? Thank you for the information on everything! And this video is awesome! I loved every single piece you showed. Perfect timing on Opal too... October birthstone 💎🦂♏

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Road trip! This is a private mineral claim. The process of stabilization pretty much makes something that might fracture when being cut and polished and makes it harder. I intend to make a video when I do it.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Gorgeous stuff - fun to see you exploring your new digs. (See what I did there? :D )

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it.

[@forttreehouse6450]

When do we get a tour of your new shop?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It's coming! I've had some issues with it but I'm close to being done with it.

[@markfritch3168]

I’m new to this hobby. What does stabilizing the material mean?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I intend to make a video showing the process but the basics of it would be making the rocks harder with a resin so what when worked if there is a little crack in the rock it doesn't chip out.

[@cindytappe6486]

Does it have to be stableized in order to slab & cab??

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm not 100% sure on that. People have and do work it without it being stabilized but I believe for best results, stabilization is preferred.

[@mikewinings4120]

You guys need some feather and wedges😊

[@AIJLarkin]

Love to go there at night with some uv torches

[@asantagaryhetzel6114]

How does one "stabilize" the rock? A glue?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It's far too complex to explain in a comment but there will be a video on it in the future.

[@willPenny]

I found a new oil half the price of mineral oil. this is drip oil iso 22 and is used in irrigation wells i would say that it is as thin as lite mineral oil

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad it seems to be working for you but I wouldn't suggest it.

[@willPenny]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding why would you not want to not suggest it.

[@DarkenShroud]

Yo not sure why he's calling his stuff bubble Opal but actual bubble opal is the Ethiopian Water Opal that has the various colored bubble phantoms floating in em. Here's Mister Pulitzer Opals video covering bubble opal a year back. Hope you enjoy!! I also donated half black and half white bubble opal to Roys Rocks channel, search Roys Rocks Makers Challenge to see that one. Pulitzer Opal just put out another bubble opal video today a few hours back. This time black bubble opal. Anyways cool hounding video, but I wanted to make sure you checked out the OG bubble Opal on Pulitzer Opal channel. Again not sure why he's calling his claim bubble opal. I'll let Pulitzer Opal and this guy fight to the death to see which is actually bubble opal. Sorry but my money is on Mister Pulitzer lol. Here's the link. If you want though just search Pulitzer Opal Bubble Opal on KZbin. He's gotta be the funniest and all around best Opal channel on KZbin. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZa3ZZ-VrrxmZsUfeature=shared

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I feel like there's a lot here to address, such as naming convention. Common names are just that and plenty of people use many common names, personally I don't care for them but I get why people do it. As for your statement of "actual bubble opal is the Ethiopian Water Opal" I don't care at all and I don't care about international rocks and the seller of those rocks who made up common names for the version of Si02 +stuff. You can have Opal-A from many different locations that have a bubbly appearance, should only one be able to be called by the common name Bubble Opal? I think you see what I'm saying here. As for this material, it is commonly called Bubble Opal and it is from the Bubble Opal claim and just like my website says, the material from this location is called Hyalite Bubble Opal & Wildfire opal.

[@DarkenShroud]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding yeah I frequent gem shows and am familiar with Hyalite Opal. Also watch Lapidary Dave Tuscon / Denver / etc show videos for some years now. Best show channel on KZbin! Never seen em called bubble opal at the shows which is why I questioned this. Botryoidal formations of Opal happen on Fire Agate ++++++ in nature. No one calls those bubble opal from what I've seen. I honestly just saw your video below Mister Pulitzer Opals as a suggestion after watching his black bubble opal video. Figured I'd check it out and reply about his channel as well as Roys Rocks since they are some of the best opal guys on KZbin. Alongside Riley Gunn at NN Opals and Justin at Black Opal Direct. I really don't care what he calls his stuff, that was more a joke hence the fight to the death comment. I more wanted to let people know to check out the channels I suggested for more indepth Opal knowledge and viewing. Again cool hounding channel I'll be sure to check out your catalogue in the future as I have subscribed. Again don't take my previous comment too seriously as I was just messing around. You're absolutely right anyone can call Hyalite or Ethiopian Water Opal from Welo / Shewa with BUBBLE phantoms .... Bubble Opal. There indeed can be more than one type of Bubble Opal as the common name dictates. Though personally I'm not calling Hyalite Opal Bubble Opal.

[@66bigbuds]

It does look kind of crumbly. Host is starting to deteriorate?

[@roseannarabia6461]

What do they charge to dig?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

The price might be going up soon so for current prices you should reach out to mine owner about this when you plan your visit.

[@roseannarabia6461]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Will do, thank you.

[@Gregory47342]

29:55 what is this stuff called? I think it looks kind of like dog tooth.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It's a plate of botryoidal chalcedony tubes. It's cool looking stuff.

[@davidfellerer6384]

What did a bucket cost?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

The costs might be increasing, so I was asked to not share the current price but you can get a hold of the owner on Facebook for the current price.

[@seananderson5850]

FYI, you might not use the channel for free rocks, but are these places open to the public? Is anyone allowed to visit, mine, and work the claim? It's a part of being "rock hounding famous"

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Good question. This location is public, meaning that you can contact the owner of the claim and arrange the visit the same as we did but like most fee digs, it's not something that you can just show up to unannounced. Really, the main benefit that I see out of the KZbin channel is that I hear about lots of things, more than I would without it. Such as shows, fee dig opening, and good deals on machines...etc. I have leveraged the size of the KZbin channel a few times to make videos, such as the shop and museum tour videos, as well as some interviews with people. Other than those, we pay the same as you would and access the same places you can access.

[@barbraharrison7519]

Anyone knows where this place is?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

If you followed the link in the description box of the video, you wouldn't have to be asking this here.

[@gordonyork6638]

Bacon Opal

[@RickSmith-kp3sy]

How's this not seam agate with uncommon (what would be the correct descriptor) opal? It's almost like Mexican crazy lace in relatively straight lines.🤔

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

So it's all Si02 but what makes the difference is how the silica is arranged.

[@RickSmith-kp3sy]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thanks!

[@robaldridge6505]

from 7:00 to 7:42 WHAT is that in the center left ??? looks like a man or a bear, then it goes on all fours into the grass ???????

[@phantom6754]

I think it’s another person bending down to get a rock

[@robaldridge6505]

@@phantom6754 BIGFOOT !!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I believe that was Ken walking around.

[@robaldridge6505]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding does he have BIG feet ?? LOL

[@RobertHarrison-br5iz]

Glad to see you back, thouht you had quit.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm sorry what? I upload a video every week, and sometimes more than one video per week.