My husband popped his head in anxiously inquring if I was all right I was laughing so hard at your crazy, spontaneous dancing. You are one cool Aussie, Justin. Thanks for the laughs.
@@blackopaldirect truly - it's your parental JOB to embarrass your kids!!! (I think that's written in the fine print of the contract, but nobody ever reads it...) 🎉 🥳 🥳🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🤸♀️🕺🏼🕺🏼🤸♀️🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🤸♀️🕺🏼🕺🏼🤸♀️🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🤸♀️🥳 🥳 🥳 🎉
I'd also buy it, just as it was left on this video. Then I would practice my labidary skills on it and make the stone ready :) It's still very beautiful, even if it wasn't perfect
We can always strive to do/be/look for perfection. Perfection is usually a fleeting sparkling thing, then it's on to the next shiny thing. If that substandard stone came before me as I worked down the rock I would do the robot dance myself (likely break myself as I have never done a robot dance) . The after stone was truly a cut above most! Justin you are blessed and you have worked very hard to be able to cut great material to start with! Thank you for sharing your time, skills, and passions with us!
I actually liked the fail opal part. It made me feel better about my own fails. Part of what I'm addicted to though is the "blind box" effect of rough opals. Not 100% knowing what you'll get until its all the way revealed. Trying to find the rough to do that with though has been tougher than I expected.
That's just part of the excitement of cutting opals. On those rare occasions, you find that one opal that faces up and presents itself in an amazing way. To look at it as just a rock not knowing whether it's just a nobby, sand or potch and you start removing everything that isn't beautiful opal with results like that are worthy of dance. I think you made out alright on that one.
Black Opal Direct yes Justin, opal fever is one of those afflictions you just never get over. Lucky for me I live in Idaho, USA, where we also have opals to hunt. Just not quite such flamboyant beauties as your Lightning Ridge produces though!
I’m going to say this because I know others shouldn’t likely read it…as it’s 2 years old. Thank you Justin! I’ve been watching your videos and my son and I are full on Opal addicts now! We are getting a group of Koroit/Boulder Opal to practice drilling on (he’s a wood carver so has a dremel etc) 3 days ago I was knocked down and robbed on a flat very popular walking trail in our small mountain town in Northern California. I didn’t tell our twins because this is unheard of here and I don’t want them to fear our new home. I’d been on that trail hundreds and hundreds of times before we moved here. I thought I was fine until today when I had a massive panic attack, I thought you should know that watching you ply your craft has such a calming affect, within a hour or two I fell fast asleep…No offense! I just woke and feel much calmer and I just really wanted to thank you. And congratulations on the you tube award…I’ve no idea what it means, but it must be good as you seemed so excited! If I go back to the beginning do you have beginner Opal rubbing videos? Well anyway, Thank you from the other side of the planet!! You Rock! (No pun intended)
A real pleasure to watch your work, I carved abalony for a number of years (very toxic, i had to stop for lungs and general exposure, and that was with filtered air removal and always water finished), and it was always an adventure into the colors that came out, opals are a bit like that, suprises everywhere! Beauty work there man! Sub for vicarious pleasures :)
Oh man that! That was awesome dude! I loved it! And the stone was brilliant!!!!!!!! I still thought the first one was gorgeous, but Dammmnnn the second one! I just love opal!
Weather you know it or not, You are a great teacher and most affordable education on the planet. I've learned alot. Thank you Justin. You are a Blessing.
Be interesting to see what the settings and end looks for your stones are.I literally know nothing about this subject,so excuse my ignorance.Personal taste wise I love the blues and prefers the pale stones.I just have problems with the use of them.I could see them looking almost tacky if not set and designed very well.
Ah, love the videos, but can’t believe you didnt’ make the second stone the drop shape it already had. Is it easier to sell the oval shape than a drop shape? I love drop shapes in all stones for pendants and earrings :)
You ignited my unknown love for stone cutting. I'm going to be visiting your site quite often I even bought a rough grinder bench to begin my journey. Your videos are very informative and thorough, but I was wondering if there was a tip or two for a greenhorn.
'Seems' there is a big risk when investing in these uncut stones. Love to see the mystery unfold, and then of course, the final one- of -a kind beauty!
The Risk, the Mystery, the Creative Rewards!!! It ALL feeds me!!!!!!! I seem to care more about the finding, the cutting, the surprise, & the shaping process than keeping the stones... ! Question- Is it possible I have Opal Fever? 😳
I am absolutely facinated by the process you go through. I have always loved opals, amber and jade. It amazes me that these colours remain hidden and then suddenly it is like explosion of shade and tone. Can't wait to see more videos.
Hi, I know it’s been a long time since you had a comment about this vid, but I just found your videos and I love watching you bring the stones to life. Also I love the little dance you do at the end when you have a success. Congratulations on finding the opal in this stone. Keep up the good work and happy grinding, hope you find many more.
Well, that was pretty dang awesome. As with anything, give most things a little polish, and then appreciate the beauty they are capable of giving. Enjoyed watching from Northwest Colorado.
omgOshie. great video full of emotions! Love your dancing. Nice to see you're keeping it real. lol. Looking forward to watching more of your videos! KJ
Justin I just absolutely love your videos and all the information you have to offer. Bucket list being able to convince My wife that I need to purchase one of your rough black opals the cut on my own :). Either that or a trip to Australia.
😂 *4:20** 😆👍 Congrats! To the untrained eye, I'd have been completely happy with the first stone's appearance (well, until you finished the second one, anyhow.) Lol 😋 Tfs!*
You are a blast my friend. Love that dance, love your work. One day soon i am going to buy one of them small opals to make a ring for someone SPEICIAL. Thank you.
Your awesome Justin. I honestly never thought l would be interested in this topic however your experts and passion has made this one of my favourite subjects to view. Thank you for sharing
I am glad I'm not an opal expert. The flop looks beautiful to me, I wouldn't want to spoil my ignorance. I even think some of the potch would make a cool broach or something. Keep going in, thanks.
The first one was also a good one you can make a stationary holder like a pen holder (e.g: I have found a milky with clear quartz twinning protrusion at Bendigo and I've decided to cut it down a bit and used it as my calligraphy brush holder). Opals are good for any stationary stuff, as I have got a slab of opal on a rock for my bf's brother (Osteo practitioner) as a paper weight, well he can use it as a door holder too if it's high enough.
Congratulations! I hope you make a really nice profit on that beautiful stone! Your celebratory dance was cute! Thank you for making this channel. I'll never be able to cut stones but I've always been interested in opals (black ones especially) and how they come into being...They are so very beautiful, especially the one you just cut! :-)
Hmmm If i was to grind the potch off it would not be a black opal anymore. It would lose its darkness. This is a characteristic of black opal from Lightning Ridge. If we didn't have this potch we would not have black opal
@@kathyschinchillas7334 Black and dark opal are dark because they have a layer of black potch behind the transparent precious opal that helps contrast the colors, not because the color itself is dark. It doesn't apply to other types because other colors of potch don't enhance the play of color.
Lol your party time made my day. Too fun beautiful opal.
Love it Justin😂🤣👏🏼👍🏼💐
I always get so happy when I see him do the dance 😂❤️ reminds me of my dad
My husband popped his head in anxiously inquring if I was all right
I was laughing so hard at your crazy, spontaneous dancing. You are one cool Aussie, Justin. Thanks for the laughs.
Haha glad I made you laugh and not shake your head like my son did
@@blackopaldirect No - don't take your (otherwise sagacious) kid's input - the dance was the best part!!
@@blackopaldirect truly - it's your parental JOB to embarrass your kids!!!
(I think that's written in the fine print of the contract, but nobody ever reads it...)
🎉 🥳 🥳🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🤸♀️🕺🏼🕺🏼🤸♀️🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🤸♀️🕺🏼🕺🏼🤸♀️🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🤸♀️🥳 🥳 🥳 🎉
And a awesome name too
That first stone even if it didn’t have the deep colors you were looking for was still gorgeous...
I would take that flop it's still beautiful!
✋🙌✋
Caroline Nino Woods I’d fight you for it 🤣
@@amandawatson5931
LOL 😆 Great reply!!!
@Dimitrije6500 :D spotting the thief i hit him with a large rock wich split revealing a millon dollar opal
I'd also buy it, just as it was left on this video. Then I would practice my labidary skills on it and make the stone ready :) It's still very beautiful, even if it wasn't perfect
We can always strive to do/be/look for perfection. Perfection is usually a fleeting sparkling thing, then it's on to the next shiny thing. If that substandard stone came before me as I worked down the rock I would do the robot dance myself (likely break myself as I have never done a robot dance) . The after stone was truly a cut above most! Justin you are blessed and you have worked very hard to be able to cut great material to start with! Thank you for sharing your time, skills, and passions with us!
sorry, american here...i laughed out loud when you said "lets rub this one out"
Yeah, that phrase has an alternate meaning here is Australia too.
I actually liked the fail opal part. It made me feel better about my own fails. Part of what I'm addicted to though is the "blind box" effect of rough opals. Not 100% knowing what you'll get until its all the way revealed. Trying to find the rough to do that with though has been tougher than I expected.
The partying in the end of the video was awesome. Glad the other Opal worked out well. 😊
That's just part of the excitement of cutting opals. On those rare occasions, you find that one opal that faces up and presents itself in an amazing way. To look at it as just a rock not knowing whether it's just a nobby, sand or potch and you start removing everything that isn't beautiful opal with results like that are worthy of dance. I think you made out alright on that one.
Nice report...great closeups, brief, succinct, just the right treatment for the gem story! Dancing...a 9.
Well done, cobber.
Can I get a 10 minute video of just the dancing? Made my day SO much better, cannot stop smiling!
Gorgeous opal!
Aye! I'd be jumping for joy over that beauty too! Gorgeous stone mate! Thanks for another great video👍
Thank you Joe
Too funny! I burst out laughing at the celebration dance! Beautiful work!
Sandra Barrett thank you ☺️
Congrats! Noice piece there mate! Thanks for sharing your celebratory antics. Made my day.
Gorgeous! Even the flops are pretty, love those too.
Lol. I am just starting my journey of learning to cut opal so appreciating your informative and entertaining videos. 🤗
Enjoy the ridge and watch out for opal fever its catching.
@@blackopaldirect thankyou. So true.
Black Opal Direct yes Justin, opal fever is one of those afflictions you just never get over. Lucky for me I live in Idaho, USA, where we also have opals to hunt. Just not quite such flamboyant beauties as your Lightning Ridge produces though!
Love the excitement of getting the best hoped for cut. I share in your joy- and as always I LOVE the dancing!
BEAUTIFUL!! Nice Jig!!😁The Opal was awsome, too!!
Haha Thank you
you are too funny!!! glad you got such a beautiful opal out of it but your actions afterwards priceless. Loved it!!!
Thank you Sherry
You were right on two counts. Nice, nice stone, and I have never seen a party time quite like that.
Love your excitement when things go your way. The opal is beautiful!
That's great, you can do a handstand! It's beautiful!!! But then I thought that the first one was beautiful too. I'm learning ♥
WOW! Absolutely a gorgeous stone I wish I was there to actually find something like that
Do a road trip and look around the mines just be careful of the hole
Even a handstand! Haha Justin, never expected that! Keep up the good videos 👍🏼 they are awesome, informative and entertaining
Thanks Jack I do try :-)
I’m going to say this because I know others shouldn’t likely read it…as it’s 2 years old. Thank you Justin! I’ve been watching your videos and my son and I are full on Opal addicts now! We are getting a group of Koroit/Boulder Opal to practice drilling on (he’s a wood carver so has a dremel etc) 3 days ago I was knocked down and robbed on a flat very popular walking trail in our small mountain town in Northern California. I didn’t tell our twins because this is unheard of here and I don’t want them to fear our new home. I’d been on that trail hundreds and hundreds of times before we moved here. I thought I was fine until today when I had a massive panic attack, I thought you should know that watching you ply your craft has such a calming affect, within a hour or two I fell fast asleep…No offense! I just woke and feel much calmer and I just really wanted to thank you. And congratulations on the you tube award…I’ve no idea what it means, but it must be good as you seemed so excited! If I go back to the beginning do you have beginner Opal rubbing videos? Well anyway, Thank you from the other side of the planet!! You Rock! (No pun intended)
Thank you. Gorgeous colours. I really enjoy cutting, to find what no one has seen. Cheers
Your joy dance was as beautiful as the gem! Enjoy the fruits of your labor-- well deserved!
A real pleasure to watch your work, I carved abalony for a number of years (very toxic, i had to stop for lungs and general exposure, and that was with filtered air removal and always water finished), and it was always an adventure into the colors that came out, opals are a bit like that, suprises everywhere! Beauty work there man!
Sub for vicarious pleasures :)
Thanks for subscribing :-) My father used to carve abalone as well
Beautiful black opal :) You have talent! Thank you for sharing
Thank you
I loved this vid. The speed was great and the joy was awesome.
Thank you
So much fun to watch - Party Time!!! (Even liked the part about using a calcutator!)
Oh man that! That was awesome dude! I loved it! And the stone was brilliant!!!!!!!!
I still thought the first one was gorgeous, but Dammmnnn the second one! I just love opal!
Thank you Rookie
Ahhh, opals are the most beautiful gems in my opinion. Looking at them just makes my day.
Natsu Look how nice this one is ua-cam.com/video/xWFDUHeEtBk/v-deo.html
Imagine opals and diamonds come together as hybrid gems that would be epic.
@@FatBellyChemist1234 I know right. This would be amazing.
Hahaha you make me laugh, party time.
More blessings to come sir!
Weather you know it or not, You are a great teacher and most affordable education on the planet. I've learned alot. Thank you Justin. You are a Blessing.
Kind words Tony thank you 🙏
I’ve been trying to catch up with some of your older videos. What a beaut! Loved the dance ❤😂.
i really enjoy but when i see you dancing lol is more fun hhahahaha ^^
Be interesting to see what the settings and end looks for your stones are.I literally know nothing about this subject,so excuse my ignorance.Personal taste wise I love the blues and prefers the pale stones.I just have problems with the use of them.I could see them looking almost tacky if not set and designed very well.
2.57!!! Amazing!!! Such a blessing! Great video as always!
The sparkle in your eyes matches the sparkle in the stone ..! 😊
Shucks now I'm blushing
I've watched a number of your videos now. This one tipped me over the edge and I've subscribed! Good work.
Awesome and thank you for subscribing
Amazing how that second stone finish up beautiful.
Both are beautiful stones. Thanks for the dancing at the end. I’d needed the laugh! All the best with your craft.
Lily Ch'ng thank you
Ah, love the videos, but can’t believe you didnt’ make the second stone the drop shape it already had. Is it easier to sell the oval shape than a drop shape? I love drop shapes in all stones for pendants and earrings :)
You ignited my unknown love for stone cutting. I'm going to be visiting your site quite often I even bought a rough grinder bench to begin my journey. Your videos are very informative and thorough, but I was wondering if there was a tip or two for a greenhorn.
Watch all of my videos that will help out a lot :-)
The second one is stunning but I still love the first one, I have a few crumbs in raw state that I love too
'Seems' there is a big risk when investing in these uncut stones. Love to see the mystery unfold, and then of course, the final one- of -a kind beauty!
There is much risk if not educated about the gem you are cutting
The Risk,
the Mystery,
the Creative Rewards!!!
It ALL feeds me!!!!!!!
I seem to
care more
about the finding,
the cutting,
the surprise,
& the shaping process
than keeping the stones... !
Question-
Is it possible I have
Opal Fever? 😳
I am absolutely facinated by the process you go through. I have always loved opals, amber and jade. It amazes me that these colours remain hidden and then suddenly it is like explosion of shade and tone. Can't wait to see more videos.
I came for the opal but I stayed for the dancing 🕺. Awesome video, mate.
Awesome happy dance. You got that down perfect! Gave me such a good laugh....and pointers for improving my own happy dance. Beautiful opal...wow!
Thank you Naomi
Beautiful work Justin!
Never watch videos like this but your channel has made me a fan , you do great work.. keep it up!
Yay thank you for watching
It's great seeing you so happy, congratulations!
Thank you :-)
Just when you think you have seen the best Justin moves I come across this one. The second stone was amazing and worthy of the dance.
Hi, I know it’s been a long time since you had a comment about this vid, but I just found your videos and I love watching you bring the stones to life. Also I love the little dance you do at the end when you have a success. Congratulations on finding the opal in this stone. Keep up the good work and happy grinding, hope you find many more.
LOL...
The first opal was beautiful too.
Very nice opals... Great dance moves... Well done!
The frist was nice just not what I expected.
Your little dance was adorable lol!
Loved the end result, the opal was gorgeous!!!
Thank you haha I am glad you liked it. I wasn't sure how most people would react but it was taken quite well lol
Haha! Love the enthusiasm!
Thank you
Beautiful craftsmanship .. great video!
Gorgeous!!! Your party-time dancing made me smile so hard 😁 Congratulations!!!!
Thanks Mary
Oh my god. That dance was EVERYTHING! 😂
haha best video I've seen of yours so far!! keep up the awesome work (loved all the extra closeups)
Thank you Im glad you like :-)
Nice, cheered me up on a poor day, good win really made up for you.
Omg you just make my day. I'm smiling with you... It's a beautiful piece.
Abra kadabra. Yay! WooHoo! Yaba daba doo! Hey, you should list your left overs for sale.
I really love you, man! I want to immigrate to Oz just to catch the spirit! Keep up the great work!
The party dance made the opal more appealing. Nice stone!
Androk Koi haha thank you ☺️
Gorgeous finished stone, but I think you should grind the other one down some more. Might surprise you. Or not.
what an absolute stunner!!
since your just gonna throw the first one away, i'll save you the trouble, you can just give it to me :-) i'll even pay shipping lol
Hahahahaha yeah I was waiting for that comment
Wow
I was having a bad day . Your excitement and crazy dance cheered me right up! Thanks 👍
Bradleys Currie glad to have helped 😊
You funny🙂 Thanks for cheering up in darkened times. London says 💪😁❤🇬🇧
Came for the opal, stayed for the dancing. Beautiful gem!
Haha thank you
Ho mate you made my day buddy🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂😂😂
Well, that was pretty dang awesome. As with anything, give most things a little polish, and then appreciate the beauty they are capable of giving. Enjoyed watching from Northwest Colorado.
Thanks Marilynn
omgOshie. great video full of emotions! Love your dancing. Nice to see you're keeping it real. lol. Looking forward to watching more of your videos! KJ
Thank you Kim
Justin I just absolutely love your videos and all the information you have to offer. Bucket list being able to convince My wife that I need to purchase one of your rough black opals the cut on my own :). Either that or a trip to Australia.
The initial rock looks like nothing. Great dance moves !!!!!! love it!
😂 *4:20** 😆👍 Congrats! To the untrained eye, I'd have been completely happy with the first stone's appearance (well, until you finished the second one, anyhow.) Lol 😋 Tfs!*
Came for the beautiful gems....keep coming back for the dancing!! 😂
I love your videos. They always make me smile and occasionally, like this time, laugh out loud. Great party, beautiful stone.
Thank you haha
Quite impressed at that semi hand stamp mate :)
You are a blast my friend. Love that dance, love your work. One day soon i am going to buy one of them small opals to make a ring for someone SPEICIAL. Thank you.
You put a big smile on my face.
Could you do a video on the cost of the equipment needed to start this as a hobby/income? Thanks and great videos mate.
depending on whether you can find used equipment will determine if it'll be an expensive undertaking or a REAL expensive one.
Yes I have done one already
Your awesome Justin. I honestly never thought l would be interested in this topic however your experts and passion has made this one of my favourite subjects to view. Thank you for sharing
I’ve stumbled across 3 videos now so I just subscribed. Great videos mate!
Awesome than you for subscribing :-)
I hee-hawed at you! I liked the first stone too.
Thank you
WoW!!! that first one was amazing I’ve never seen it like that before...
I am glad I'm not an opal expert. The flop looks beautiful to me, I wouldn't want to spoil my ignorance. I even think some of the potch would make a cool broach or something. Keep going in, thanks.
The first one was also a good one you can make a stationary holder like a pen holder (e.g: I have found a milky with clear quartz twinning protrusion at Bendigo and I've decided to cut it down a bit and used it as my calligraphy brush holder). Opals are good for any stationary stuff, as I have got a slab of opal on a rock for my bf's brother (Osteo practitioner) as a paper weight, well he can use it as a door holder too if it's high enough.
Glad for you Justin, at least one came out.
The victory dance was awesome. XD It would have been nice to see a side by side comparison of the two stones. Great video!
Always so enjoyable to watch at your videos - supergood thx!
Would you mind sharing the approximate value of this 2 carat stone?
Was having a rough day and this video cheered me up! Thanks 😊
Allison Justice sorry for you but am glad I could help 😊
HAHAHAHA!!!! your best vid yet, had to share this one...thanks my friend!
Haha thank you Crusty I'm glad you liked and shared
Hilarious celebration dance! That's a beauty alright . Congrats on stone #2 Justin.
Thank you James
Congratulations! I hope you make a really nice profit on that beautiful stone! Your celebratory dance was cute! Thank you for making this channel. I'll never be able to cut stones but I've always been interested in opals (black ones especially) and how they come into being...They are so very beautiful, especially the one you just cut! :-)
Thank you I am glad you follow and enjoy my channel.
It looks so amazing 😍 like your channel!! 🔥🔥🔥
Opala Nobre é incrível
For the 2nd piece that was more valuable, do you also grind off the potch from the back of the stone to show color before you weigh it?
Hmmm If i was to grind the potch off it would not be a black opal anymore. It would lose its darkness. This is a characteristic of black opal from Lightning Ridge. If we didn't have this potch we would not have black opal
@@blackopaldirect Ohhh okay, that makes sense. Thank you for answering my question! Does this apply to other types of opals too?
@@kathyschinchillas7334 Black and dark opal are dark because they have a layer of black potch behind the transparent precious opal that helps contrast the colors, not because the color itself is dark. It doesn't apply to other types because other colors of potch don't enhance the play of color.