Uncut gem black opal. The best I have cut in years.

[@carpii]

Imagine being the owner of this gem in 300 years time, and you're able to go back and watch a video of it being originally cut

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes that is a cool thought

[@terrypussypower]

300? Imagine 3,000!! The opal will still be around unless some catastrophe befalls it. But all this YT information will still be around many thousands of years into the future. In fact, the video will probably last longer than the opal!

[@extremeencounter7458]

@@terrypussypower hopefully these sights all carry far into the future one way or another

[@DaftFader]

@@terrypussypower you're failing to factor in the zombie apocolypse of 2021 when the virus mutates! :p

[@heyhoe168]

@@terrypussypower opal will be there. I am not sure about civilization to store all the data. Remember, there were times when greatest library in the world burned.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

you completely changed the personality of this stone. Nice win for Justin! Side note: when you said "give this a weigh", my heart leapt, momentarily, and the I realized it wasn't "away". Lol

[@blackopaldirect]

Hahaha Aussie slang haha or just my bad language skills

[@ThatOpalGuy]

@@blackopaldirect yeah, I knew. I'm sure you'll give it away to one nice person with 80k laying around. I wish that person were me, though.

[@DaftFader]

@@blackopaldirect haha ye I thought the exact same thing!

[@claudine1220]

ditto! lol

[@statewench2828]

Same here I almost fainted myself!

[@unbearifiedbear1885]

*B.O.D:* "Every Carat counts!" *Grinding Wheel:* lol... BRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[@rupertmiller9690]

It would be a lot of fun to have you wear a heart monitor for cuts like this, with it posted up on the screen while you work.

[@blackopaldirect]

Hahah that would be funny

[@PatRick1981-s1w]

Good idea!!!

[@TheGeekosDen]

excellent idea!

[@jeremycasper5181]

@@blackopaldirect do it bud that would be awsome

[@jimbennett2795]

NOT $5K per carat not even $500.00. Still blotchy with grey and original black spots

[@medicmomma1603]

Just wow! Reminds me of a clear night when all the stars are twinkling! So incredible! Happy I got to see that once in a lifetime gem.

[@blackopaldirect]

It def was one of those gems I will remember forever

[@mcfearless9924]

The end reveal of this stone literally made me shout "oh my god!" out loud! Dizzyingly stunning. Great job, Justin - this stone was lucky to have you cut it.

[@blackopaldirect]

Awww thank you Mc

[@milkboi2386]

Imagine some people probably miss some stone and toss them out!

[@smokeless7774]

I'm going to take up free diving for pearls because I can now hold my breath for 14 minutes!

[@blackopaldirect]

Hahaha I love that

[@mysticvokeyt6222]

That’s actually amazing if ur not lying

[@gucciratistooquirky]

14 minutes?! And I can only hold my breath for like, 40 something seconds?!

[@sneaky2866]

@@gucciratistooquirky train your lungs...its gonna pay off💯

[@gucciratistooquirky]

@@sneaky2866 I'm sure it would

[@RevelationTwelve11]

YOU DID IT, JUSTIN!!! You took the risk ... and WON BIG!!! Congratulations on cutting what has to be one of the world's MOST BEAUTIFUL OPALS!!! Your Dad would be SOOOOOOO PROUD of you! :-) Lots of Love from Florida. ~ Karen

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks so much!! :-)

[@RevelationTwelve11]

@@blackopaldirect ... You know, Justin, this is one of those stones that should be NAMED and be WORLD FAMOUS because it's SO OUTSTANDING! Maybe you could honor your Dad's memory by giving it your family name: "The Thomas Opal!" What do you think? :-)

[@JadeValour]

Justin, your enthusiasm and excitement are totally contagious - it's like watching a suspense thriller! I love it, and the beautiful stones you cut. I did the math - and almost fainted! CONGRATULATIONS!

[@baxoutthebox5682]

Your passion is enough to carry this channel but your positive attitude and kind nature are what keep me coming back.

[@tymeryder7264]

Justin, extraordinary gem. I think the important thing to remember, however, is your skill to bring the gem to its best. Your Dad would be proud. Great content as always.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Yes he would be :-)

[@steveclark4291]

Just WOW ! To think that I just watched you bring one of most BEAUTIFUL OPAL to life ! Thank you for sharing this with me ! Take care , stay safe and healthy with whatever you maybe doing next ! Doing well here in Kansas .

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome Steve

[@bellal3167]

This guy is like the Baumgarter Restorations of opal cutting and I love it :)

[@hyltonla]

Two of my very favorite channels!!!! ❤❤

[@petepenn1]

Great Risk..for Great Reward! Wonderful Work ..Just in Time to Shine. Congrats!

[@JuanitaHarrisMissHarrisinParis]

You and your team have really leveled up production value and it shows! Great work and WOW, what a gem. Always good to see you, Justin!

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it Juanita

[@jeffliroff]

Even though it's been 4 years, I can feel your excitement and happiness. What an amazing gemstone!

[@Mike.The.Jeweler]

As a jeweler i love hearing you talk about the delicate act of cutting these stones and it being so sketchy, and then having to set what you just sent to us lmao

[@unbearifiedbear1885]

Beautiful Gem.. great work, well done! I have bought a couple of different varieties of rough Gem over the years, nothing outrageously valuable, purchased mostly on the basis of the intrinsic beauty of the piece; but a few more significant rocks, too - watching your videos has really made me consider getting in to rubbing and polishing.. I'm a carpenter by trade so have some gear and plenty of transferable skills.. you make the journey to the finished article look like incredible fun; that "journey" is the very reason I started in Carpentry.. I'm very tempted! Thanks for the videos - all love London UK

[@opaleclipse490]

Your videos always give me anxiety and also make me laugh at the same time lol. Incredible job on that one! Well worth the risk! P.s. Nice dance moves. 😄

[@cathifamjourney469]

Justin, thats a Bobby Dazzler if I've ever seen one!!🤯🤑🤯🤑 It's quite beautiful and I am glad you chose to film this as you will be able to go back and visit this moment in time whenever you so desire!!! Awesome

[@blackopaldirect]

This is true but I really should be concentrating on cutting out lol

[@Penfold8]

$84,000 for an Opal. Daaaaaaamn! I have got to get out of my Accounting job.

[@wdwerker]

$58,000 US is still impressive!

[@dylanjanson9009]

@@wdwerker what you mean 58k? 16.8 x 5 is 84k

[@carmengogeidnas9670]

Depends on how much he bought the uncut stone for? Minus thousands of dollars of equipment, years of training and capital to buy the uncut stones, and then you factor in accidents and such..but you're an accountant, I don't have to tell you that. Lol maybe don't quit your day job is all I'm saying

[@OmoiSenpai]

@@MaxG-jk8ty Cut a $100 bill just right in the middle to accommodate for recovery for $200 lol.

[@Trollygag]

@@miltonb4522 He has it listed on his site for $80k USD, 120k AUD.

[@stephsexoticpets]

I had to pause this video 3 times because I wanted to watch it entirely so I could enjoy the start to finish & 🙀😍😍😍 that was incredible. I was laughing out loud with you bc it came out the best possible way it could. I love your channel (& ur dances) so much!!!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Stephanie I’m glad you enjoyed

[@gruntslayer3524]

When you said give it a weigh I thought you meant give it away and I suddenly became very interested in entering that giveaway 😂

[@nancymoody910]

I love a risk taker!! Justin you go!!

[@danielt6856]

Mate, I went to the Bathurst gem museum about a month ago, and seeing this has given me so much respect for the collection there. What's great about this video is that you give a comprehensive but approachable description of your process, giving a good glimpse into something that most people would not even begin to understand. Gives me a lot more respect for mining in Australia.

[@cynthiafarris1051]

Even if I wasn't interested in opals I would still watch this channel. You all really make it interesting because you give opal cutting soul. Some days it seems like everyone has woken up determined to be a jerk, and I just can't wait to get home. I sit down put on Black Opal Direct and there you all are with your smiling faces and sweet, sweet spirits, it gives me back that hope for world I had lost in traffic on the way home. heh heh Thank you guys for all you do.

[@blackopaldirect]

Aww thank you Cynthia

[@Mark-kc2ke]

When this man smiles, I smile as well. Even in February.

[@MrSerrano88]

Love seeing you happy with your results which is quite Amazing, I'm very great full for the upload! Hope all is well!

[@justinrider930]

I have to come back and watch this every now and then this is by far my favorite opal ever!!! I want to buy it……When I get the cash I’m going to hunt this thing down and own it one day!!!!

[@blackopaldirect]

It is a beauty, isn't it?

[@michaellindsey1543]

I tried to do the math and my calculator fainted! Good on you, Mate!

[@FatBellyChemist1234]

it works out to be 84k AUD

[@Nickknows00]

@@FatBellyChemist1234 wow

[@bourbonfan1]

his personality is worth a lot

[@nickadkins7765]

@@FatBellyChemist1234 he has it listed for $80k usd not aud lol.

[@catherinekempton6538]

Omg I've missed you Justin, it's a beautiful gem. WOW Merry Christmas ! 🎄🎅🎀❤😊👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks so much! haha I missed your comments too :-)

[@catherinekempton6538]

@@blackopaldirect ❤

[@BatBeardGames]

This was beautiful to see. You have mastered your father's skill, he'd be so proud.

[@skylazart]

Your stories and laughs make me smile so so happy!! I cry when you talk about your father because I miss mine too. Would love to have him here to see my family now. Thanks for sharing with us these moments. Love the content you make

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏thank you Felipe

[@TheUnitedSardines]

Lots of comments on money-making but guys Justins craftsmanship is absolutely outstanding 💪 🥇 this stone could have easily been screwed up, brains and golden hands made this stone an Australian ⭐️

[@susannesamuelsson2930]

Hi Justin happy that you was right about those black spots, such a beautiful gem! I do love opals and i really enjoys watching you making them come to their color sparkling life and it's most certainly worth a dance. I'm watching you from Sweden and i have enjoyed every minute of the video!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Susanne I am glad you enjoyed

[@nodnostrebor4300]

At seventy I have some arthritis, just a little, but enough. My hands are not what they used to be. But I can still paint portraits, because my painting is all about making mistakes. Then earning my keep, looking at the mistakes, all the while, seeking to recognize the image within the mistakes. I shape the image I have found, an image that arose from a mistake, into what I am after. I am often surprised by how mistakes shape the end result of my creative process. People ask me, pointing, with their face all twisted up, "How did you ever paint that bit here?" It is an art. Still, I tell them, "It just showed up on the canvas," which is mostly true. Justin on the other hand, is a tightrope walker in the fog seeking with his feet, the rope beneath in the dubious hope he can get across, to the other side. Congratulations, Justiin. Nice job that one. Yes, cutting opals is an art. And you are clearly a master, one who can be entrusted to risk the mistakes that are part of the creative process. Art is an instinct. It is the instinct that tells the artist, when to stop, because reality has a finer, more precise hand than any of us. We just need to learn to recognize it to capture and appreciate it.

[@greenlamp9219]

good on you mate! ive never known anything about opan gem cutting until about 4 hours ago but now i couldnt be happier for you and this entire process!

[@vortexgen1]

I love that this beautiful stone came out so great for you. I never get tired of watching you cutting opal, and it's always better when you get a great stone. You are a true craftsman.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much!

[@yorhey]

This entire process is enchanting, but that dance and 1.5 seconds of humor gained you a thumbs up and a sub. Love the passion! Another profession that I am vicariously a master of!!!!! lol thank you!

[@KrisWood]

Holy cats. That thing doesn't even look like it could possibly be REAL. What a spectacular gem. Nice, nice work.

[@neilstleon6251]

Absolutely beautiful Justin and thanks for sharing. Always a thumbs up 👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@markcharles8950]

Woop woop !!!!! We missed you man , awesome opal dude really happy for you and the team and thanks for letting us see it.

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome Mark :-)

[@badomaji]

A beauty, indeed. I’m still awestruck by the alien writing pattern (script pattern) you uncovered a while back. One of a kind!

[@scarlettehydes25]

Holy Smoke!!!!! I can see by the look on your face your happiness and joy are just bubbling out the top. That stone is awesome and you did a great job.

[@chuckgoughiii8215]

I felt suspense, the nerves and joy right along with you on this video. Yea the money matters but your description and explaining things at the beginning and through out this video also tell me that it is also as much about the joy of what your doing and bringing out natures beauty.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chadatchison145]

I bet your heart was racing cos I was on the edge of my seat chewing my nails the whole time! bravo my friend, always thrilled to see the happy dance. :)

[@blackopaldirect]

It was and I had to film at the same time lol

[@grandmasmagic3858]

and upon watching you cut this gem it was worth subscribing...I've seen a few of you vids now but this was the one that tipped me over the edge...well done...

[@janicedyck9212]

We are all so appreciative of your skill and these videos!

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you like them! Janice :-)

[@Simulacrumb1]

Your live cutting videos are like meditations. Relaxing and beautiful Keep them coming!

[@phoebehaggard3363]

God your adorable! Your face when you're focusing and especially the cute dances I see you do in your videos. I love watching you work and you have a great voice for narration! Hopefully I get to see a fun lil dance in this one too! ♡

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much!! Such kind words :-)

[@ThatOpalGuy]

Careful he's a married man!! Lol!

[@Benny_painter]

So happy it worked out for you! Its bloody amazing mate!!

[@Fasttoys71]

I'm glad you took a break I was holding my breath most of the time 😁👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Intermission needed lol

[@TheLastRezort27]

G'day Justin You are a truly brilliant artist mate, and one ballsy bloke. I would be honoured to buy one of your stones one day. The life you breathe into them is incredible. Awesome job and good luck in the future. Cheers

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏 thank you

[@janleiner1575]

This stone is such a beautiful treasure! Great find, great job in bringing out the best of this stone. I truly wish I could own a stone like this one.

[@aakau88]

Lovely video - stone stunningly beautiful and your joy and dance so enjoyable it’s catchy. Thanks Justin 👏🏼👍🏼😀

[@Melre123]

12:42 "I can't wait, I'm going to faint.!" *pretends to faint* made me laugh so hard! You're funny! The Gem and your dance is amazing! Lol

[@elizabeth3527]

Yeah , that was good, made my day, was priceless ❤️

[@laurabaker8832]

Oh Justin. Imagine this rock sitting there for eons and now it's a gem fit for a queen. I have a nice white opal but after seeing the black, I am blown away. Absolutely awesome work. Thank you for sharing.

[@KalistaMoonwolf]

**me sitting here chain stress-eating AirHeads like I have some stake in this** >.

[@blackopaldirect]

😆😆😆😆

[@melaD333]

🤣 🤣 🤣

[@galaxyincubus101]

no one what's to see a gem like this destroyed

[@slugUlon]

Love your craft. I bought my now wife an opal for her engagement ring. The best gems in the word!

[@hateonskillz318]

Truly art in motion, im sure your dad would be proud. Once you've cut you'll realize the precision needed for such a job. You're amazing at what you do great job and never doubt your skills or knowledge

[@ambkbero2]

I'm glad the gamble paid off. All I can say is OMG that is one amazing stone and I was blessed with seeing it happen. You ARE the master!!

[@blackopaldirect]

Wow, thank you :-)

[@David-gn6ds]

Great video. Loved every minute of it. I especially liked when you talked about your dad. It adds emotion to an otherwise dry subject. Thank you for sharing. The music is spot on. Keep making amazing videos like this, and you will have a fan for life. DD

[@garyinsalaco9530]

O M G MY HEART WAS RACING ,CONGRATULATIONS ,YOU TOOK THE RISK AND BINGO ,AND THE COLOURS IN THIS STONE ARE MIND BLOWING BEAUTIFUL ! Thanks for sharing this !

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@DaftFader]

I got sooo excited when you said "I'm gonna give it a weigh" cos I thought you said "I'm gonna give it away"!!! xD

[@blackopaldirect]

Hahahah

[@gjmoest]

men, i just heard the same, was really hoping i could join the gamble of winning the thing. These opals are so nice that putting a price on them is almost shamefull.

[@D-me-dream-smp]

You weren’t the only one whose heart was racing. Looks stunning. Your passion and joy is fabulous.

[@elizabethgrindell1054]

I could FEEL your happiness through the camera!! Congratulations on this magnificent stone!!!!!

[@jamiconroy7841]

Thanks so much for sharing the journey.... I'm sure your dad is very proud...!!!

[@euniceperez4510]

That thing looks like it's a foot thick when it flashes its colors. Spectacular just spectacular....

[@ThatOpalGuy]

Justin hit this one out of the park.

[@Jrcarlos4]

Just came across your channel and I never thought I'd be so mesmerized seeing someone cut opal. You sir, are the man!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you 🙏

[@MrKraft-fg7dh]

So the Price is actually fitting your subscriber count perfectly

[@indianajones1211]

I don't know anything about stone cutting but watching this man work and the love he has for his craft was a real treat. Thanks for posting.

[@Landdrifter24]

that stone is absolute fire, smoking hot, oh to be rich

[@terrypussypower]

You don't need to be rich, you just need to come to this channel and you can see all these beautiful opal gems.

[@Landdrifter24]

@@terrypussypower I mean, you are right, but it would still look better in a lit up glass cabinet in my house

[@carinanderson8239]

Yaaayyy! You did it! You cut the galaxy stone! Now go fishing. You deserve it.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha I went fishing on the weekend and didn't catch a thing. But it was nice to get out there

[@ndean1687]

What an amazing gem! 😍😍😍 Thank you for sharing this with us! It's nice to see you so (understandably) happy and excited! That is truly a beauty to behold! 😊

[@wdwerker]

I imagine selling a stone like that might take some time but it sure would be great If Justin could put together a greatest hits where are they now show. To see the stones set in jewelry like fine art in the proper frame.

[@joeybaseball7352]

It would be a bunch of billionaires. Not very exciting.

[@thomasbunner734]

The gem’s color and sparkle is beyond gorgeous! Surely it will be given a name, and coveted by it’s owner. Thanks for sharing the cutting process! So fortunate opal is my birthstone. New subscriber🤗

[@jpmarie9]

This reminded me of the Arkenstone !! Beautiful 😍! Any Tolkien fans know what I mean? Haha

[@edukid1984]

With stones of such stunning beauty can we blame Smaug for so jealously guarding them? And no wonder Thorin was consumed by a hunger to re-possess it, I would be too!

[@randywaller7685]

Justin... WOW!!! That's the one. I've been watching you for well over two years now. That by far is the best stone I've seen yet. It's good to see you be able to do your happy dance again. The look on your face said it all. Your dad would be proud. Great video. Hope things are getting better in Australia. The "C" virus is pretty bad here in the states again. Be safe and well my friend. Have fun always. Randy in Des Moines. 👍🌽✌

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Randy I appreciate you

[@gunnyaustria]

The stone was dancing to 💃😀 You did a fantastic job you are a real master.

[@LucillenRory]

Absolutley stunning gem. Got to say it was great to see you so excited about it :) So happy that being brave paid off for you !

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much haha

[@kennethconnors5316]

always amazed at the spectacular results . stone is truly special , colors so bright I'd be dancing TOO

[@Polymitaer]

I should be sleeping by now, but I'v e just discovered the beauty of opals and can't stop watching your videos. I have to say that you are a very charismatic person and your passion for opals is just magnificent. Cheers mate

[@blackopaldirect]

Hahah Thank you so much 😀

[@ambsquared]

If that is in Australian dollars, then around $61k USD. Truly a stunning piece (and price).

[@Kevin-ce8cl]

He is already talking in USD. 80,000 USD was the price he put it up for sale at.

[@DragonHeartTree]

@@Kevin-ce8cl did it sell yet? Exciting

[@tamwolf20]

Just stunning 😍 My heart was racing with you. And I literally stopped the video and did the math. Just unbelievable. Well done! I learn something new in everyone of your videos.. Much love Justin to you your family and Melinda.

[@coryboatz4434]

Absolutely stunning stone and amazing cut, well done and congratulations Justin!

[@jessomstead8132]

That is a grade AAA+++++++++++++ stone, right there my friend. Trust your instincts, the gamble was way worth it. Great job.

[@debraanchante3661]

Wow!! Amazing!! Gorgeous!! And the happy dance was great too.. loved it all

[@joostlammertsvanbueren1868]

First omg I love ur vids beacause of you I bought a opal

[@blackopaldirect]

Thats great I am honoured

[@nathaniachaney-aiello4832]

Unbelievably gorgeous! Thanks for taking us on the "risk ride" - so glad it worked out.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@aropals672]

I was definitely one of the ones that was wrong! It sure looked like the lines would show through

[@luthiersdaughter9134]

I think that's the most beautiful black opal I've ever seen! And your smile looked like a kid on Christmas morning! So enthralling!! You really are a master!

[@DadDoosDay]

“Right now I feel like the luckiest cutter on the planet...” Well you look psychotic so relax. 😂

[@micr0chap]

An exquisite, once-in-a-lifetime black opal, mate, and it took real balls to cut it so well! Congrats, congrats and more congrats!

[@barrywebber100]

What a beautiful, beautiful stone, a wonderful kaleidoscope of gorgeous sparkling colours! Thanks for posting.

[@elchefreedom5063]

Oh wow, amazing mate! I cannot thank you enough for your vids! Tucson awaits you and so does my family (I’ve got them all hooked) lol

[@kevgermany]

Great to see you back. What a great stone to cut after your break. Loved the pincushion, thought you were mad to take it out. But your hunch/experience and skill won out. That stone is stunning. Good call.

[@barrett5540]

Absolutely Outstanding!!! I totally enjoyed watching your process. My heart was racing too. Once you completed the polish & revealed this beauty... Wow it is breathtaking! Thank you for sharing. 🤩

[@gregorytoddsmith9744]

Well done!! Coaxing the beauty! From 'I might toss a wobbly" to happy dance!👍

[@johnwilkinson2604]

I am in awe of your ability to get the shallowest of domes on such a large stone particularly as you are using hard wheels. My equipment is old fashioned and has grinding stone wheels and an expandable rubber wheel with carborundum belts of different grit sizes so by leaning into the belt, one can induce a curve onto the gem (usually agate or jasper or the like) and I would battle to approach the consistency you get in the variable curve of such large radii. Truly well done!

[@sandy-quimsrus]

Love seeing the joy on your face. What a pearler!

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes I was happy

[@Diekefirts]

dude, love the enthousiasm in the end & the dance made it complete. beautiful stone, good call & good craftmanship.