We find opal in Lightning Ridge - The gem of my dreams

We visit Lightning Ridge for a week of searching for the perfect gem. Tamika and I take you on a few must-do tours around Lightning Ridge. Keep watching to see a gemstone that has been on my bucket list for many years and now finally I found it and you'll be able to watch it being cut in next week's video!
Spoiler alert it's a huge crystal opal.
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[@reefantics1329]

It's so good watching the young fella learn what your father taught you.

[@SubjectiveFunny]

Poor kid, hope the recovery is going well!

[@hi-tonemichael8030]

it's great to see father and son looking over some gems special times together ❤

[@jenniferlehman326]

I hope you're healing up well, Saxon!! Be glad it's winter and not summer, with you having to wear that turtle shell for your broken back!! My grandmother broke her back at the end of spring one year and had to wear the same type of brace all summer long!! With humidity factors going into the mid to high +40C's!! She was miserable!! I can't wait to see you turn that Opal into a stunning gem, Justin! Your friend, the Retired Paramedic and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn 💖 🇨🇦

[@DeadlyDigger]

What happened to him looks serious

[@brenturquhart7090]

Id be interested in knowing as well

[@Massangler1856]

December to February is summer in Australia, so it was summer. Currently fall.

[@jenniferlehman326]

@Massangler1856 Sorry, I always screw that up!! Thank you for the correction!! Jenn 💖

[@sandmaker]

Glad to see you and Tamika survived the opal field and the drive to and from. Glad to see your son up. Loved the stones and his work too.

[@nevilleshepherd4230]

Saxton I Hope you know that everything happens for a reason and God has a calling for you young man. I went throught something very simular. I pray that you find the reason during this time. Blessing and speedy recovery🙏🏾

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

I love these field trips.

[@W.MOpals]

I loved this video. Reminds me of my time in Lightning Ridge (where I also had the pleasure of meeting you Justin!) The chambers of the black hand is a fantastic attraction, along with all its other quirks like the castle, the emu's, the paintings on the buildings in town, the bore baths...I could go on forever. I agree, it's the best place on planet earth. Thank you for sharing Justin

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome and glad I met you

[@rhondaw2967]

Love this video. Thanks for taking us with you. Hope your son is healing up nicely.

[@Louisiana_trapper]

So excited I’ve been watching for years wanting to get my daughter her birthstone! Finally today I was able to get her an opal from you!!! Wasn’t the best one as I couldn’t afford the one I would love to buy her but so happy to finally get her one! I’ve been so in love with opals for a long time! Still searching for one here as we do have opals in Louisiana but they are hard to find it seems. In a sandstone like matrix. Just wanted to say thanks for creating a gem suitable for us to afford and be able to make a dream come true!

[@michaelprue9024]

Here’s to wishing Saxon a quick and speedy recovery! A broken back is serious business for sure. I absolutely can’t wait for the day I get to visit your country. Traveling to Australia and visiting places like Lightening Ridge and Coober Peedy is #1 on my bucket list 🤞. Justin sir, you were able to score some absolute rippers and I can’t wait for the new videos of them being brought to life by you. God Bless and cheers to you all !

[@landofahhs_1]

Thank you for sharing your trip and quick visit to Lightning Ridge. From the looks of the roads I don't think your long, straight, and narrow roads have much on my local roads here in Kansas. 😊 I enjoyed your discussion with your son...at my age (73) I appreciate the generation's sharing and communicating...I try to engage my daughters as much as possible. 😊

[@dannywileyinthemountains]

Such an awesome video. So much enjoy seeing the journey. It hard to imagine the experience of finding such beautiful material there. Thank you for sharing this adventure. That shell was incredible!

[@Oh_Hell_No_6969]

I had a 2nd Great Uncle, from Ireland, who went to Australia and became an Opal Miner, and within 6 months after arriving, he passed in an Opal Mine Collapse, at 24 years old. I have so much respect for the Miners! Then to you guys, who polish them!

[@blackopaldirect]

It is dangerous work and am sorry to hear. It doesn’t happen very often. thank you for the appreciation.

[@Clover12346]

Great video. So funny and interesting.

[@lloydbellis7360]

That was an interesting talk with the Opal guy explaining the Opal process. Those carvings were insane. Get better soon Saxon. Thank you 👍👍👍😎😎😎

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks

[@chadatchison145]

This was so much fun to watch, thanks for the video Justin and Co. :)

[@SewTexas]

father and son, such a wonderful connection you have. My goodness, hope his back heal nicely! Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see how the new stones turn out.

[@jay71512]

6m in and i have to say, that black hand mine is amazing and ive learnt more from the guy talking about how opal forms than ive learned from 11 seasons of opal hunters, despite them telling me how seam opal is formed every single episode lol. Edit...how the heck do...doesn't matter lol hope the youngun mends fast Justin. Good luck.

[@blackopaldirect]

It is such an awesome tour with Darryl, he definitely knows his stuff and is great at explaining every detail.

[@donneverae3050]

Hope Saxon doesn't have too much longer in that brace, although it reminds me of medieval armor. He could always say he broke his back jousting rather than flipping his dirt bike. 😀Thanks to Tamika for sharing the driving, so you could make this video.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks for tuning in :-)

[@markpashia7067]

I was wondering if he was bull riding or something. Makes sense it was a dirt bike. Thankful that modern medicine has come so far these days. Best wishes, Saxon. Justin I use to sixteen hours in a straight shot but now I am lucky to do seven, so I know what you mean. Going on a trip tomorrow that will be three days due to the new limits, but I need some beach time.

[@shippamfamily6673]

Wow, cannot wait to see those stones finished. Hope you are out of that brace soon Saxon!

[@blackopaldirect]

Me too!

[@ThatOpalGuy]

lovely video, lovely day. thanks, Justin and Tamika.

[@blackopaldirect]

Our pleasure!

[@johncloptop1585]

One of these days, I'll make it to Lightning Ridge. 🤔

[@bentationfunkiloglio]

Appreciate the LR tour! Saxon’s skills are improving quickly. Hope he heals up soon. Cheers.

[@louise3993]

Thanks for letting us tag alone on this trip. It’s so cool your son has a big interest in learning your amazing trade. I’m sure you have spent many quality times together over Opals.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks for watching!

[@JohnMcfarland-hi9qw]

nice score on the clam shell,your country has amazing lapidary materials.I enjoy cabbing the hard jaspers,agates and anything else that shows up in the states!

[@nancypiros9133]

So good to see Saxon hope he is healing up well. Justin & Tamika what a long drive to lighting Ridge looks like an amazing place to visit! Can’t wait to see Justin cut the two beauties!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❣️

[@4KGameScape]

You got me into opals years ago bro, beautiful gems, greetings from Mexico!!!

[@blackopaldirect]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@markpashia7067]

Rod, they have some beautiful opal in Mexico too. Not black but I love them myself. Had my first wife set up nicely with some milky white opals that had great reds, blues, greens and orange fire in them. Ring, necklace, and earrings that were great together.

[@4KGameScape]

@@markpashia7067 Yeah I know!! I went to an opal mine myself here in Magdalena - Jalisco which is known for its opals but I just found regular, low quality ones :( had fun pretending to be a pickaxe miner though xD.

[@karlahall9058]

Thank you, Justin, for taking us on your awesome and hilarious journey with you 😄. That cave was incredible!!!! All the themes were amazing!!! I had a blast. Can't wait till next week to see you cut your incredible find. Thank you so much 💗 😊

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@joesguiltyguitar]

A whole week 😭 but I want to see it now 😢 lol ok I'll be waiting until next week lol

[@JeffreyMoyer-ms7nv]

I hope you heal up quickly, Saxon!!

[@tthappyrock368]

May your son heal quickly! What beautiful opals! Thank you for the tour of some Lighting Ridge attractions -- really cool!

[@steveclark4291]

Thank you Justin for the adventure , seeing some Opal mines and beautiful scenery ! Praying that Saxon is healing well , will soon be up and going again ! Saxon is coming along pretty well with cutting and polishing Opals !

[@jamesbatten8659]

Glad your boy is ok Justin , my son is a grown man, but he will always be my boy and as parents we never stop worrying . Collected fossils and minerals ever since I was a lad and always had an appreciation for opals but have learnt so much about opal watching your videos. I find myself now usually making the same decisions when you’re contemplating the best way to shape the piece so I must be learning something . Always a pleasure watching you creating such beautiful gems . Much love from the UK . 😀🇬🇧❤️🇦🇺🦮🏍🦔🔭

[@blackopaldirect]

Nice. I’m glad you get value from my videos and no we never stop parenting

[@stephendavis7057]

If these gems had the hardness of a diamond, they would definitely not be underrated, but as they are, they're the most beautiful for sure

[@Debbie_YorkieMom]

What a great tour of the mine and very interesting information about how the opal is formed. I can't wait to see how the fossil stone turns out. The two you showed are extremely brilliant. God bless!

[@garybaker1354]

I love it to justin.last time i was there, my young fella was so sick i spent most of the time in the hospital. And the nurse was one of the nicest people i ever met

[@bryanb1259]

Awesome

[@timofthomas]

Great trips lovely gems, and that casual dropped in mention the lad had a broken back... I can't even imagine the drama involved in that one hope he'll be ok, no matter how gruff we are, when our kids get hurt it hits the spot. Best of luck to you both and I hope the recovery and physio goes well.

[@serenepeacefulrelaxingmusi3874]

Get well soon young Saxon. That must be hard for a young man to handle being limited like that. All the best to you and nice work on those gems. You have a fantastic teacher in your father. I was very interested to see what Lightning Ridge was like because I had heard about it from a young age and all my life I have wondered what it would be like to visit, so thank you for showing us how amazingly talented the people are. That art gallery with all the carvings was amazing and so were all the other sculptures. So clever. 😀

[@Aaron-gy9oj]

My wife and I love your awesome videos!

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you like them!

[@sfbfriend]

Thank you for the journey. Im fairly new to your channel, I believe I have watched a few episodes in the past, I reconnected after seeing you on Karen's live stream a few weeks ago. I am a lapidary artist in training, have only been cabbing and cutting for about 2 years now. Semi retired at 65 so I hope to do much more in this field by learning from yourself and others. Prayers for quick healing for you son. Thanks again.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you for being here

[@mike-n-clarawerner6578]

Saxon, pray you are healing well and don' have too much pain.

[@susannesamuelsson2930]

Thank you for the tour of Lightning Ridge dear Justin and the information about formation of opals. Saxon is on his way to become a great opal cutter just like his dad, that's for sure! The two stones you bought was so beautiful too so I can't wait to see you preform your special magic on them! I wish Saxon a speedy recovery and best wishes for the future, greetings to you all at BOD from me in Sweden. 👋💎👍🇸🇪

[@chrisberry9017]

I’ve only just come across this video - can’t imagine how I missed it! But just sending Saxon good wishes, and hopethat his recovery is going well. He’s certainly got a great support network!

[@ThatOpalGuy]

great cuts, Saxon!

[@justinbento5380]

im so happy for u Justin, to see ur son follow u n ur fathers footsteps! i had to wear one of those torso braces bc i also broke my back but the only diff is I’m a paraplegic now n let me tell u, athe pain is unbareable. and i am trying to to do some cabbing work like u guys. i learned alotta stuff from watching ur channel. thanks again Justin!

[@blackopaldirect]

I am sorry to hear

[@justinbento5380]

@@blackopaldirect thanks Justin! this didnt change anything. Well at first it did but i beleive it or not i became a more positive person from an injury like this, than the person i was a before. so i really appreciate life now bc theres ppl in way worse situations than me n today i am blessed! n so r u guys. god bless u brother

[@chrisdresen4823]

Loved learning how opals are formed! Another great video, thank you for sharing!!

[@mariaadam1047]

I hope your son is ok. We went there a couple of weeks ago at Easter, from Sydney! I've never been, and my hubs surprised me with a trip. We joined the Bowlo, checked out all the stalls and shops, visited mines and relaxed in the bore bath every night, after sightseeing. I even got to choose a beautiful little Lightning Ridge solid black opal ring 😍 Gorgeous place, friendly locals, and plenty to see and do!

[@blackopaldirect]

And so much more too. Glad you enjoyed it

[@MARYBOORMAN]

Hearty greetings Justin and Saxon and Tamika from Georgian Bay, Ontario. Interesting mine visit - I cannot believe how flat the land is and the type of vegetation as compared to here where I live. Those gems are over the top exciting. Looking forward to watching you work your magic on these. Best wishes to Saxon in healing his spine. :-)

[@jamiemorgan4146]

So Juston mate, Has Saxon decided to join the Biz? Hope so.. There’s nothing like family… 🙌🏻 Get well soon Saxon..👊🏻 The stones are bloody gorgeous..🎉🎉

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes he has

[@jamiemorgan4146]

@@blackopaldirect Great choice. 👍🏻

[@LeoR-e6h]

Justin, I really enjoyed the trip to lighting Ridge, that would be a nice vacation to visit! The two opals you got are amazing looking forward to see you cut them, my Lamborghini moves fast going home like that!! Ha Ha! Hope your son gets better soon. Take care. Leo ✌️

[@BeardedBaldGuy87]

I love these videos when you go out to the mine.

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏

[@loganmiller4863]

I made a comment a while ago about bring us just this kind of content. A rough shopping trip up to the ridge! Thanks for bringing it so fast. It must have been ini the works already when I brought it up.

[@pedroalonso-sanchez4783]

Ive seen that gem and you did an outstanding work on that amazing fosillike gem. Really brilliant cut!!!!!!

[@kelseyt8516]

Love the "potch" plates lol. Red on black never gets old! My favorite opal in my collection is red and blue on black ❤️

[@kimetherington2252]

Great video!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks!

[@dazstone9331]

Well done 👍 ❤🙏…so awesome to be teaching your young bloke dude 👍

[@niklazz7037]

nice family bonding and friends as well. Hope to visit Lighning Ridge one day.

[@stevenpolack4444]

Gotta get a personal plane ya keep making those long trips lol. Nice vid with great people and some awsome stones🤘 Hope kiddo gets well soon 👍

[@jamesblake7338]

Wow, thanks for sharing that! From North Carolina and sooo much want to see the opal fields and maybe meet u guys as well lol. Great video!

[@blackopaldirect]

One day

[@lisacrandall409]

Thanks for the tour Justin, very interesting. Heal quickly, Saxon!

[@markdutcher3403]

I'm new finding out Saxon had a accident! I will definitely keep him in my prayers 🙏 and thank you for the field trip.

[@judgetk8327]

Beautiful stones you picked up. I'm looking forward to seeing what you are going to do with them.

[@theresechauvin5216]

It's a beautiful tear drop fossil. I wish your son speedy healing. Thanks 💕🇨🇦

[@julieannejoolz]

Thanks so much for sharing this with us, i hope your son has a good recovery. 👍🏻 👋❤️

[@oneshotme]

Those were some beautiful stones you bought and I love the shell opal!! Not sure what has happened to your son but hope he has a speedy recovery!!! I very much enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

The fossilised shell opal in particular, is stunning. I'd be reluctant to do anything with it as even polishing will destroy the shell imprint. Both stones look amazing in totally different ways. Fab trip!

[@blackopaldirect]

Yeah about that shell. It’s not a shell anymore but it’s an outstanding gem. Stay tuned for the video

[@gernblenstein1541]

You guys had me at the dueling purple-nurples in the thumbnail. Great content. Cheers.

[@tymeryder7264]

Looking forward to cutting the crystal, gonna be a real ripper of a gem.

[@marykayruple386]

Really enjoyed this video especially all the art work and history and info on opals.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jdl.1234]

Love your Toyota. I have the FJ. Thanks for the adventure!

[@Lo54Lo]

I got to go to Australia my senior year of high school for 10 days for a football (American) game. I spent my entire time there on the sunshine coast but I would LOVE to go back and visit lightning ridge. Beautiful country you have there I will never forget that trip one of the best times of my life.

[@artslife3876]

A broken back! Dear oh 😢 Heal well, young Man! Sending my best wishes, from Ireland 💚🤍🧡

[@PK-oy4fe]

I hope your son is healing well! I know what wearing that feels like. I wore mine for 3 years😇❤️🙏

[@blackopaldirect]

3 years omg

[@RandyNacol]

Justin the drop you showed which you said was 5.90ct but on your website is was 4.9ct is such a beautiful and stunning piece ! a stone worthy of being in a museum

[@sethchapman8001]

Opal truly is the most beautiful gemstone IMO, and such variety too! Diamonds are so boring in comparison, they should stick to industrial and scientific uses, for which they are great. Wishing your son a speedy recovery! I cannot imagine how stressful that must have been as a parent.

[@OPALSRUS_OFFICIAL]

Thanks for the vid and Jesus Loves You!

[@garymorgan8915]

Good day Tamika and you too Justin ❤

[@dennislyons3095]

We had a wonderful day in Lightning Ridge 24 years ago. I decided to get some opals while there. Of course we had to get some small triplets for friends as gifts but found one very nice necklace for my wife that was an opal with a lightning shaped piece mounting the opal. Expensive but a fine example to show off to everyone.

[@samanthafairweather9186]

The opals are really nice - especially the black one! Hope Saxon is healing well. Sucks that he couldn't join you for the trip to Lightning Ridge. He's definitely got the Opal cutting gene - he's a natural!

[@bradpacker8370]

Thanks for the vid and hope the back is getting better look forward to the next vid

[@A_Bone1972]

amazing adventure summed up in 15 minutes! ✌️🐝➕

[@scottishwifie14]

Get well soon Saxon, your skills are getting better with the opal cutting you have the best teacher. Justin would you be able to do a video sometime in the future on storing rough and polished opal stones, what’s the best way to keep opal safe what would you recommend. Thanks for another great video.

[@KristiesLexicon]

What a great video! Thanks for sharing😀

[@faliciastephens2702]

I broke T 10 11 and 12 in a four wheeler accident. I was in hospital for three weeks and then in a titanium brace for 9 months. I was 17 years old and had to buy a huge prom dress that would fit around the brace . My heart went out to your son

[@howierfs5471]

Great video. Thanks for taken me as well to LR. Never been there, unfortunately. CO

[@Yetireacts419]

Hey, great videos I have been learning how to cut and polish! I have a question, where can I get an Opal color chart thing😂 thanks 🙏

[@oldnick4707]

Very cool trip Justin. 😊

[@colinmansell3524]

great show as per usual - thanks a lot.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lianaspandega1030]

I was hoping you make a video like this so thank you ❤❤❤

[@jribeye1818]

Car door tour was good. We enjoyed noodling with the kids. Good times….

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Aussie-Phill]

Hey bud I saw your Ute drive past me at the information centre when you were coming in -might catch you next time !

[@mtnvalley9298]

Thanks for the show; greetings from Granby, Colorado!

[@YTBZEE]

Bloody marvellous ❤

[@GeraldGalbo-w9w]

Spectacular video 😊

[@timo061]

Been looking for a crystal shell for ages. That one is a beautiful fossil. ❤

[@dudleysimon2589]

Amazing video. Greatly enjoyed this video. While the shell opal is beautiful, I look forward to seeing you improve on the red and blue opal. I love these colors and patterns.

[@blackopaldirect]

You and me both!

[@garymorgan8915]

That stone and she'll omg❤🎉😊

[@JamesDevaney-nm7oc]

What an awesome video!!!!!!!!!