Forty Year Old Rough Opal - Its time is up. I'm going to cut it!

After forty years in a safe, the time has come to cut this rough opal.
This Coober Pedy rough cut is 40 years in the making.
Join me as I navigate this cut - will I slice it up into many smaller gems as I initially intended or do I go for one big crystal opal?
Let me know your thoughts on the end result in the comments, thanks for watching!
To buy our gems. They are on our website for sale below
blackopaldirect.com
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CabKing purchases click here
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Thanks for watching :)
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Пікірлер: 310

  • @78LedHead
    @78LedHead3 ай бұрын

    It's always a good day when Justin shares his craft with the world. This channel should have a million + subs. Uncovering the beauty of opal helps soothe the soul in a world full of war.

  • @codyosborne9307
    @codyosborne93073 ай бұрын

    I could never afford even the cheapest of opals you offer. But sometimes... I just sit for hours scrolling through them to look at how beautiful they are.

  • @taveesakvitayakan1297

    @taveesakvitayakan1297

    Ай бұрын

    Me too.

  • @chrisberry9017

    @chrisberry9017

    Ай бұрын

    Try rothink of it this way, you never actually’own’ anything, you are simply its custodian during your lifetime, then it continues on its journey to give joy to others. By watching Justin’s channel, you have the opportunity to enjoy all the beautiful stones that he cuts. What a delight!

  • @santashahadley5916

    @santashahadley5916

    Ай бұрын

    I am with you on that and Opal is my birthstone. They are so beautiful and yes I can spend hours just sitting here watching videos on Opal. 💜👑

  • @nobodyhome8148
    @nobodyhome81483 ай бұрын

    Awesome ! ....... A ring, 2 earrings and a pendant all from one mother stone ......... LOVE that !

  • @hoilst265

    @hoilst265

    3 ай бұрын

    Or two rings, or a add a brooch or tie pin onto that...

  • @muttzzeemoon4601
    @muttzzeemoon46013 ай бұрын

    You may say the ground opal is just mud but someone in the make up industry could mix it with essential oils and shea butter and sell it as "Opal Scrub" (for that opalescent glow) $50 per 8 oz tub......😂 LMFAO

  • @zoe-leesweeny8625

    @zoe-leesweeny8625

    Ай бұрын

    Its a little dry on my skin..ive considered this and have alot of the clay n mud

  • @nhojcam
    @nhojcam3 ай бұрын

    i think you meant to say...4 billion year old rough. nice stones, Justin! thanks again. p.s. - i used to be a faceter back in the day. i stopped being able to find good rough, so i sold ALL my equipment. now, i live vicariously through you. keep up the good work.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    That's very cool to hear!

  • @johnhiggs325
    @johnhiggs3253 ай бұрын

    It never ceases to amaze me that you can pull such beautiful pieces out of such plain looking chunks of rock.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you

  • @raymondbabb1970
    @raymondbabb19703 ай бұрын

    I mean, Crystal Opal Direct isn't a bad business name either. Absolutely magmotional.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you like it! haha

  • @johnc.hammersticks
    @johnc.hammersticks3 ай бұрын

    Old opal stock looks amazing, 40 years this stone waited to be cut and polished by you Justin. That color is incredible I love crystal opal!!

  • @glenjones5416
    @glenjones54162 ай бұрын

    No one's reruns are as delightful as yours. All the same feelings every time. Wonderful!! Thanks Maestro!!! 😍🙏

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you Glen

  • @glenjones5416

    @glenjones5416

    Ай бұрын

    @@blackopaldirect Sir,, you are most welcome. I am 75 and it is my profound hope to grind opals, and meet you at Tucson's gem show.

  • @HanoverFiste001
    @HanoverFiste0013 ай бұрын

    Love watching you cut stones. Never realized how bad my A.D.D is until I was yelling at the screen " How can you miss that corner? " LOL. Thanks for the Entertainment...

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    lol

  • @ann-or6ev
    @ann-or6ev3 ай бұрын

    I think it's nearly time to have another detailed look at your "beaten by sand" table❤

  • @MsrKSDisque
    @MsrKSDisque3 ай бұрын

    I appreciate how you enjoy the "Little Gems".

  • @shippamfamily6673
    @shippamfamily66733 ай бұрын

    Stonkingly beautiful crystals. I always wince and hold my breath when you do the cutting wheel!

  • @amberandrews6842

    @amberandrews6842

    3 ай бұрын

    Me too!

  • @ThatOpalGuy
    @ThatOpalGuy3 ай бұрын

    I came, he found it, he ground it. The thing here is, people WOULD probably buy your opal mud. As for the results of the rough session: wow, just WOW. Not only do you give me inspiration for cutting, you provide inspiration for making my videos. Thank you, Justin and BOD.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you

  • @W.MOpals
    @W.MOpals3 ай бұрын

    Fantastic results, the slice was an expert decision, love watching and hearing your thought process. Wishing you the best from the UK mate :)

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much!

  • @craftinghome
    @craftinghome3 ай бұрын

    I LOVE gemstones, but there's just no comparison to opal. You could line up a dozen sapphires that have the same colour, cut, clarity, but opals are so uniquely beautiful and special. Seeing the gorgeous colours glowing from those stones is awesome, especially when there are flashes of my favourite colour... purple 💜

  • @wendyspicer8588
    @wendyspicer85883 ай бұрын

    I hope you bought lots of opal like this piece. Crystal opal is the best.

  • @shk2564
    @shk25643 ай бұрын

    Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good but you are the best and lucky too it seems! Love you mate! ❤

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    You're the best!

  • @nancycurtis7315
    @nancycurtis73153 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the opportunity of seeing such beautiful gems. Greetings from Dimboola, in Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺 😊.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Our pleasure! Nancy

  • @jenniferbailey2214
    @jenniferbailey2214Ай бұрын

    Wow, looks so different than darker opal, looks pretty tricky, good job👏👏👏 Oh my guy, when you cut it opened it looks amazing!!!!

  • @steveramsey1337
    @steveramsey13373 ай бұрын

    Awesome video fix for my opal addiction! That is a bright stone. Thanks dude for that!

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Any time!

  • @steveclark4291
    @steveclark42913 ай бұрын

    Thank you Justin for sharing these beautiful Opals with me ! To watch you bring their beauty out of them is amazing !

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    My pleasure!!

  • @lorenrobertson8039
    @lorenrobertson80393 ай бұрын

    Lovely way to start my day! Beautiful opal and you did it justice. Very nice works of art Justin!

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you

  • @jenniferlehman326
    @jenniferlehman3263 ай бұрын

    Absolutely stunning Crystal Opals, Justin!! In all of them the colour is just amazingly bright and clear!! Beautiful!! Your friend, the Retired Paramedic and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn 💖 🇨🇦

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you! Cheers!

  • @tymeryder7264
    @tymeryder72643 ай бұрын

    Well done! Releasing beauty must be rewarding. Always a joy to see.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    It really is!

  • @1rawdawg007
    @1rawdawg0073 ай бұрын

    Its amazing watching you coax that trapped beauty out of those rocks ! Thanks so much for the treats

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @amberandrews6842
    @amberandrews68423 ай бұрын

    So beautiful! I also love crystal opal. It's so beautiful. These are really nice with so much color! Thank You for sharing!

  • @sanco511
    @sanco5113 ай бұрын

    Such a master in gem cutting. Thank you for sharing. ❤

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Wow, thank you!

  • @jenniferbailey2214
    @jenniferbailey2214Ай бұрын

    Wow, looks so different than darker opal, looks pretty tricky, good job👏👏👏

  • @sandmaker
    @sandmaker3 ай бұрын

    Loved the story, loved the stone and loved all the cuts. Thanks for sharing.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @liquidelectrum
    @liquidelectrum3 ай бұрын

    Your skill never ceases to amaze me and everybody else… the shape and finish is exquisite. Seeing the perfection in this video reminds me why you are so damn good. Thanks mate.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you

  • @N0013Scientist
    @N0013Scientist3 ай бұрын

    wooow, what a legenday story! to imagine "bags of this rough in a safe"... omg! gonna have a heartattack, hahaha!

  • @chellevl9209
    @chellevl92093 ай бұрын

    A ring, a pendant and 2 earings! Matched set in platinum settings perhaps? So pretty!!!

  • @daverupes7022
    @daverupes70223 ай бұрын

    What a treat to get that old stock from a big rough lot someone kept for all these years! Simply amazing results from your choices of cuts and grinding 🎉🎉🎉

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Yes it was!

  • @susansprouse1023
    @susansprouse10233 ай бұрын

    Those are simply beautiful. Congratulations!

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you! Cheers!

  • @suepeer3078
    @suepeer3078Ай бұрын

    You have crazy mad skills as a gem cutter.

  • @user-ud6ej5kb6k
    @user-ud6ej5kb6k3 ай бұрын

    This crystal opal has such a magical appearance, the nostalgia it gives me when I look at it is like being taken back to when I was just a boy, when everything seemed to possess some sort of magic. I guess because everything was new and mysterious. Thank you Justin, I owe you one for that!

  • @RosatheSilvermuse
    @RosatheSilvermuseАй бұрын

    The square cut is beautiful, even if shy behind the blue. The lge. One is very nice and I wouldn't kick any of them, out of the house. Love them.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing!

  • @bucksalau1806
    @bucksalau18063 ай бұрын

    what a collection of stunning opals

  • @OPALSRUS
    @OPALSRUS3 ай бұрын

    Click here if you love opals! ⬇️

  • @eh1702

    @eh1702

    3 ай бұрын

    A clicked. A year ago I didn’t even know what an opal is!

  • @CrimFerret
    @CrimFerret3 ай бұрын

    When you showed both halves after the slice the piece on the right was really nice but the one on the left was just amazing. Those color layers at different depths in the opal were breathtaking. all of those stones were amazing at the end. It was obvious you were pushing hard to get every last quality gem out of that and did.

  • @tameracole7714
    @tameracole771428 күн бұрын

    You inspire me💕 I’m an opal / stone cutter from California, years ago I traded two big parcels one of misc black opal one of white crystal with opalized clam and muscle shells some are very close to this one you cut👍 thank you for everything

  • @nancypiros9133
    @nancypiros91333 ай бұрын

    Getting to cut a 40 yr old crystal opal was amazing to watch Justin! So glad you were able to cut all the pieces so fabulously! Gorgeous work as always ❣️

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @YesItsTom2U
    @YesItsTom2U3 ай бұрын

    It's always a pleasure watching you cut gems. Thank you!

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks again!

  • @1catfishuntermiller753
    @1catfishuntermiller7533 ай бұрын

    Hiya Justin, awesome video and WOW just WOW! So beautiful they're so colorful, you did a magnificent job mate, I love crystal opals, those are very beautiful stones. I can't say enough about them. I hope you have a awesome blessed day. Cheers! Cya! 😺🐟 out!

  • @julieannejoolz
    @julieannejoolz3 ай бұрын

    It always amazes me how you can make such beautiful stones into something magical..I love watching you work. It's so fascinating Justin. Thanks for sharing. ❤️🩷🧡💛💚💙🩵🤎

  • @lloydbellis7360
    @lloydbellis73603 ай бұрын

    That was really cool. 11k is not to be sneezed at. Great job from one stone. 😎😎😎👍👍👍

  • @joshwasereyesterday
    @joshwasereyesterday3 ай бұрын

    the mud is fantastic for fertilizing your fruit trees!

  • @amandadonegan2137
    @amandadonegan21373 ай бұрын

    That cushion cut was stunning.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you

  • @mattculverhouse8683
    @mattculverhouse86833 ай бұрын

    Lovely vid, as always, mate. It's a privilege that you take us on this wonderful journey with you to show us the magic inside these stones 👍

  • @elizabethprost
    @elizabethprost3 ай бұрын

    The thing I love about you is the same thing I love about my dad, who happens to be a geologist….after godknows how many years, you still absolutely LOVE what you do. It’s a never ending fascination. It’s so magical to see

  • @user-mg6il8uk3t
    @user-mg6il8uk3t3 ай бұрын

    Watching you work is so relaxing.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you! Cheers!

  • @thomasloanwolf
    @thomasloanwolf3 ай бұрын

    Absolutely gorgeous stones, I always enjoy watching you make one of a kind works of art. After a long day at work, watching your videos is very relaxing. And I continue to learn more and more from you. Thank you.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much 😀

  • @christinechildress5021
    @christinechildress50213 ай бұрын

    You make my Mondays special! Beautiful gem’s Justin. Looking forward to a live show!❤BOD

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you Christine. glad you will be at the LIVE

  • @Motorsportqueen
    @Motorsportqueen3 ай бұрын

    what an amazing kalidascope of colour in the opal you cut in this video...thank you for sharing this beautiful gem.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you! Cheers!

  • @costrio
    @costrio3 ай бұрын

    I'd call that beautiful stone, "Starry NIght" I saw a small red flash like a comet on the back side and the front side is like a large nebula cloud, up close. Beautiful stone, nice work. Get well soon.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Cheers mate

  • @vortexgen1
    @vortexgen12 ай бұрын

    The 2 small gems would make very nice pair of earrings. Way to maximize the rough into gems.

  • @bethterry4943
    @bethterry49433 ай бұрын

    It's amazing that you can take a pretty rock and turn it into absolutely stunning opals. I'm now hooked on opals and your videos. 😊

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much! and sorry you now have opal fever

  • @lizarrrdbeth
    @lizarrrdbeth3 ай бұрын

    Oh sigh....this stone is exquisite. The colors are magnificent!!! Wow..I'd love to see them in person. Better yet in a ring on my finger!!! Big smile....must have been cool to have cut that!!!

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    You and me both!

  • @Ozai75
    @Ozai753 ай бұрын

    *Absolute* Stunners, the lot of them. Good lord Justin.

  • @BLynnE
    @BLynnE3 ай бұрын

    The quality of the video’s have been excellent; kudos to whoever is the editor :) I’m not only learning a whole lot about opal and opal mining, I’m being entertained by creative and entertaining videos.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you that would be me

  • @insolentstickleback3266
    @insolentstickleback32663 ай бұрын

    Outstanding gems liberated from the mother stone! ❤️

  • @user-qj2ng1cg5w
    @user-qj2ng1cg5w3 ай бұрын

    What's another few years - after all, it's been in the ground for a few million years! Well Worth the Wait - thanks for sharing with the World! ❤ THe new 'rebranding' - Although COD doesn't quite have the same ring as BOD😊

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Hahah I love this

  • @corylane3637
    @corylane36373 ай бұрын

    I love watching your videos. I've learned so much about reading the opal from you and I greatly appreciate the free knowledge.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    You are so welcome

  • @user-kb3nb5jd5k
    @user-kb3nb5jd5kАй бұрын

    Such beautiful stones hooked on opals ❤

  • @karlahall9058
    @karlahall90583 ай бұрын

    Fantastic video Justin!!!! Thank you for sharing. They are so beautiful!!!❤😊

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you like them!

  • @Themindfultruths
    @Themindfultruths3 ай бұрын

    Amazing display of color in those gems! thanks for sharing this journey with us!!!

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Our pleasure!

  • @yvonnemccarthy4957
    @yvonnemccarthy49573 ай бұрын

    Crystal is my favorite, as well.

  • @susandevoe6002
    @susandevoe6002Ай бұрын

    Beautiful job, beautiful stones!!! Well done, Justin!!!!!

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you so much Susan

  • @joanrieser2580
    @joanrieser25803 ай бұрын

    Watching your videos always takes me away to another place where I can watch, listen to your calm voice and enjoy the beautiful colors of opals. Thank you ❤

  • @kam70111
    @kam701113 ай бұрын

    Wow! Beautiful gems, Justin. Congratulations.

  • @terryohlerking8939
    @terryohlerking89393 ай бұрын

    You are such a gifted artist, I love to watch you work!❤

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much 😀

  • @kyzercube
    @kyzercube3 ай бұрын

    The total amount added up is more than the price of a good used truck so yeah, that's nice scratch! 👍

  • @jeffpuglisi8204
    @jeffpuglisi82043 ай бұрын

    Your videos are so relaxing and enjoyable. Thank you

  • @rindapelton5876
    @rindapelton58763 ай бұрын

    Absolutely Gorgeous! Thanks 🤗🤠

  • @su-ux9tp
    @su-ux9tp3 ай бұрын

    I completely understand your soft spot.🎉

  • @looseele
    @looseele3 ай бұрын

    I just found your channel… Opal is not only my birthstone, it is my favorite stone of all time. I'm going to be watching a lot of your videos.

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Welcome aboard!

  • @ulrikaholmquist140
    @ulrikaholmquist1403 ай бұрын

    Magical stones just beautiful 😊

  • @lexpop6396
    @lexpop63963 ай бұрын

    Magic Justin 👌 Thanks to the old timer for letting you share that with us 🙏

  • @user-mg6il8uk3t
    @user-mg6il8uk3t28 күн бұрын

    Beautiful opals, as expected, as always!!!

  • @kathybrandt6060
    @kathybrandt60603 ай бұрын

    They are incredibly beautiful. You are truly an artist. Thank you for letting us watch you work.

  • @xa9590
    @xa95903 ай бұрын

    I just can’t get over thinking how our earth naturally produces these mesmerizing beautiful gems. Is this a simulation? It’s truly awe inspiring….

  • @themagicwoodbus3211
    @themagicwoodbus32113 ай бұрын

    Your channel inspired my son to start cutting stones. I plan to set him up with a good set of wheels. He may not cut Opal for a while though, but thank you for always posting. We love what you do.

  • @briangc6104
    @briangc61043 ай бұрын

    A lovely 'clutch' of opals.. Twould make a lovely brooch if set in a silver spray.

  • @samanthafairweather9186
    @samanthafairweather91863 ай бұрын

    Crystal opal is rainbow in rock form. You did an amazing job Justin. They turned out amazing! Proving once again why you're the master of the opal!! 😁🇦🇺

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you

  • @blueyoshi8231
    @blueyoshi82313 ай бұрын

    Crystal opal direct had me giggling 🤭💜🇦🇺💜 Wowsers Justin,you got all those outta one stone??? We're not worthy, we're not worthy.

  • @bentationfunkiloglio
    @bentationfunkiloglio3 ай бұрын

    Those gems are just so beautiful! Love the shapes. In particular, I'm a huge fan of cushion cuts.

  • @nicolemurray-jeffery7433
    @nicolemurray-jeffery74333 ай бұрын

    Gorgeous stones. Thanks for sharing the cutting journey with us 😊

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    My pleasure 😊

  • @helendreyer5710
    @helendreyer57103 ай бұрын

    Stunning gems! Always a joy to watch

  • @exidy-yt
    @exidy-yt3 ай бұрын

    It's been a while since I've watched you cut an opal, Justin (thank KZread) and let me say you haven't lost your touch! The new working area looks utterly fantastic and this rough crystal you turned into all those little gems was masterclass work. Good to see you again!

  • @thenodiggardener
    @thenodiggardener3 ай бұрын

    Gorgeous set. Rumpelstiltskin may have spun gold from straw, but it's much better watching Justin cut crystal Opals from rocks.

  • @Jo-yp8wy
    @Jo-yp8wy3 ай бұрын

    A joy as always. Thank you.

  • @younggunsopalhunters
    @younggunsopalhunters3 ай бұрын

    Beautiful! Can’t wait to check out the Coober Pedy trade show this year doubt I’ll seen any gems like this tho 🔥

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Surely you will see some

  • @JamesLovesRocks329
    @JamesLovesRocks3293 ай бұрын

    At 9:36 I was like omg just leave it as is!

  • @dhowell2006
    @dhowell20063 ай бұрын

    Beautiful craft and gems! You are opal yoda!

  • @blackopaldirect

    @blackopaldirect

    3 ай бұрын

    Definitely got the ears for it 🤣

  • @lizkenn1144
    @lizkenn11443 ай бұрын

    These look like a set that a very high end jewelry shop would acquire in order to make that stunning, one of a kind piece

  • @stephaniebray3983
    @stephaniebray39833 ай бұрын

    That is so beautiful inside!

  • @greatplainsman3662
    @greatplainsman36623 ай бұрын

    You my friend are a true craftsman...so appreciate what you do.

  • @MysticNightCalls
    @MysticNightCalls3 ай бұрын

    They are beautiful.

  • @kimetherington2252
    @kimetherington22523 ай бұрын

    Absolutely fabulous!