Turning a fossil into the best crystal opal I have ever cut

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  • Опубліковано 3 чер 2024
  • Off the back of my last trip out to the Lightning Ridge Opal mines, I came back with this epic Shell Fossil.
    This is one of the most incredible Crystal Opals we have witnessed in a very long time.
    From its clear and glassy appearance to its vibrant showcase of colors and patterns, this is the deciding factor in taking it from a fossil to a polished opal.
    My approach to cutting this gem is to be extremely cautious not to lose any play of color, there is no room for error.
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    Thanks for watching :)
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 728

  • @networkg
    @networkg Місяць тому +152

    it needs a setting that shows both the back and the front. They are both so stunning you truly can't pick. As for a price, that is easy, if you never sell it, it will always be rightfully "priceless !"

    • @thatop
      @thatop Місяць тому +13

      Yesm.. spinny pendant go brrrrrrr

    • @leannemori9688
      @leannemori9688 Місяць тому +4

      It looks like a globe showing continents. A real beauty.

    • @claudiosaltara7003
      @claudiosaltara7003 Місяць тому +1

      Le trim
      E

    • @denisecoyne6447
      @denisecoyne6447 Місяць тому +1

      The camera is making it beautiful, wishing I could see it in person. Wow its amazing!

  • @amandadonegan2137
    @amandadonegan2137 Місяць тому +49

    The 'back' for me...but its truly a pure drop that deserves a band setting and spinner clasp to show both 'sides'..even they where incredible on the dop stick

    • @steev927
      @steev927 Місяць тому +1

      Maybe a small, rotating case that lights the gem itself perfectly and would be an amazing addition to an opal shop? Pretty sure that's going into the collection, and not a setting!

    • @judithburke1539
      @judithburke1539 Місяць тому +1

      I'm thinking that keeping it in a personal place would be the safest place. In a shop and on display, it wouldn't have much protection from unscrupulous people.

  • @karenkaus3746
    @karenkaus3746 Місяць тому +25

    The reason you can't put a value on this Opal is because it is "priceless" ! Absolutely beautiful. I love the depth/3D effect.

  • @niklazz7037
    @niklazz7037 Місяць тому +27

    gotta say the back... that misterious black that suddenly gets a ray of greens and yellows is just amazing. Surreal gem! great cut. I wouldn't let it go either.

  • @evelynpickwick9822
    @evelynpickwick9822 Місяць тому +11

    That opal doesn’t need a setting. I’m picturing rotating display table with its own spotlight. ❤
    What a treasure!

  • @lizarrrdbeth
    @lizarrrdbeth Місяць тому +21

    I also think its super cool you still fall in love with these opals after all the years and time you have spent with them. You are not tired of looking at them!

  • @jenniferlehman326
    @jenniferlehman326 Місяць тому +28

    WOW!!! That Opal is just..BREATHTAKING!!!!! Just stunning on both sides. I can't pick which side I like better than the other!! Just GORGEOUS, Justin!! I don't blame you for keeping it for your own collection!! Your friend, the Retired Paramedic and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn 💖 🇨🇦

  • @mpcar74c78
    @mpcar74c78 Місяць тому +13

    This beautiful opal is like capturing a rainbow in your hand. The back for me just shines crazy. Gorgeous job as always Justin

  • @christianscillia2772
    @christianscillia2772 Місяць тому +28

    Black opal direct is a stress reliever channel.

  • @amethystanne4586
    @amethystanne4586 Місяць тому +10

    Good afternoon from a tiny town near Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, USA.
    How beautiful! This is how a person can hold the aurora borealis in their hand!

    • @blackopaldirect
      @blackopaldirect  Місяць тому +1

      Agreed. And nice to see you here

    • @amethystanne4586
      @amethystanne4586 Місяць тому +1

      @@blackopaldirect thank you, it’s been awhile since I’ve visited.

    • @joane.landers9151
      @joane.landers9151 Місяць тому

      The opal's play of colors are awesome and mesmurizing. What a fantastic gem!

  • @costrio
    @costrio Місяць тому +10

    When I watch Black Opal Direct channel, I always try to remember to turn the video quality up on YT as it often keeps the lowest setting. I just changed it from "360" to HD (1080) and it really brings out the gems' beautiful colors. Sometimes I put it on slow motion too, as you roll it and watch the flashes of beautiful color. Thanks for the show.

  • @AndyFromBeaverton
    @AndyFromBeaverton Місяць тому +11

    If it hangs from a necklace, there is no front or back.

  • @jamesmatheson5115
    @jamesmatheson5115 Місяць тому +8

    Its mine, My Precious, Its mine, its mine its mine, my precious.

  • @Arkie80
    @Arkie80 Місяць тому +5

    What a find. I'm blown away by the fact opal forms as fossils. That had to be the cut of a lifetime. A family heirloom for certain.

  • @BoJoFohPah
    @BoJoFohPah Місяць тому +3

    I'm actually finding myself choking up and starting to cry at the end of these videos. I've been following Justins channel for so long now I'm emotionally attached to every gem he cuts

  • @kateg7298
    @kateg7298 Місяць тому +9

    I'm so happy for you that you've found another opal that you're just in love with. I hope that your Dad is looking down and beaming. Sharing the joy with you.

  • @Themindfultruths
    @Themindfultruths Місяць тому +2

    The back of that stone is truly out of this world!! I would honestly give that gem a fair price of 8600 per Carat.

  • @user-cw9qn1nb2n
    @user-cw9qn1nb2n Місяць тому +4

    Wow, Justin, that is just stunning. And I reckon $100,000 at least. I mean, where could you find another one? Someone will pay whatever price you ask.

  • @weirdo8643
    @weirdo8643 Місяць тому +2

    😮 That stone is so unreal!! Funny you should say it's out of this world. Right before you said that I was thinking it looked like a galaxy. I would definitely add it to your collection. Thank you for sharing such a special stone with us.

  • @johannaverplank4858
    @johannaverplank4858 Місяць тому +6

    Stunning! I think I actually like the back better. It’s hard to decide. What a wonderful gem!!!

  • @elizabethlittler4472
    @elizabethlittler4472 Місяць тому +3

    I never doubted that it woulld stay with you 😊

  • @jimmyehrhardt7019
    @jimmyehrhardt7019 Місяць тому +2

    Justin after watching your videos for sometime I decided to jump in with both feet and purchased a new cabking and I've never looked back. And honestly it's the most rewarding hobby I've ever come across Thanks to you!!!
    P.S my Wife is absolutely thrilled but she's wanting something made from every opal I cut...lol
    By the way the fossil opal is Absolutely beautiful.

  • @davidgraham7223
    @davidgraham7223 Місяць тому +2

    Well Justin, that stone is beautiful! I thought the front was the best…but then my eyes focused on the back….OMG back by applause! Keep it, like you say, once it’s sold, it’s gone. A family heirloom makes more sense to me, I share that perspective. Thanks again

  • @steev927
    @steev927 Місяць тому +2

    The back is the most amazing opal flash, color, and depth I've ever seen. While the front is absolutely beautiful as well, and flawless... if you said each side were 2 different gems, I would pay more for the view from the back.

  • @cheyennereeves6863
    @cheyennereeves6863 Місяць тому +3

    Both sides are stunningly beautiful, if I had to pick, I would have to choose the back because of all that incredible depth.

  • @mr1880
    @mr1880 Місяць тому +4

    I've never seen something with that brightness AND that clarity. What an amazing stone.

  • @michaelprue9024
    @michaelprue9024 Місяць тому +2

    Thank you for sharing that with us Justin, but honestly, how could you not ???
    I know crystal opals are some of your favorites, but this one takes the cake.
    Just wow !
    I love the top of the gem, it’s almost like a big drop of water which contains its own world, its own eco system.
    But the absolute depth of the back of it reminds me of a marble it’s so clear.
    Very happy for you sir, and very happy you shared it.

  • @yvonnemccarthy4957
    @yvonnemccarthy4957 Місяць тому +2

    It's a tiny universe in 8.6 carats. What a lovely, lovely stone! Beautiful work as always, and congratulations!

  • @TheDiplococcus
    @TheDiplococcus Місяць тому +4

    The front is stunning, but the back is even better. The depth of it makes you feel like you're looking down from great height onto the surface of a breath-taking alien world of mountains and forests. I've never seen anything like it.

  • @debbiependleton8507
    @debbiependleton8507 Місяць тому +3

    I am Awe Struck with this stunning beauty. You are right to keep it for your collection. It would be hard to let this rare beauty go into another's hands. God bless!

  • @Gigi-14
    @Gigi-14 Місяць тому +3

    The back has a better pattern but the front is stunning also. Keep it for your collection Justin. Your heart would break to sell it 😊

  • @oldinuselesshancox5194
    @oldinuselesshancox5194 Місяць тому +2

    Definitely top right of the back , I'm getting the feeling that's one of the best gem you've done in years

  • @wayneraymondsharp9459
    @wayneraymondsharp9459 Місяць тому +1

    The front is stunning but the back the back is amazingly beautiful and of the highest quality I've ever seen congratulations on adding this to your collection

  • @jdmac150
    @jdmac150 Місяць тому +2

    Both sides are beautiful but the depth of colour on the back side is just stunning.

  • @_nicenick
    @_nicenick Місяць тому +5

    yeah the depth on the back makes it look phenomenal, love that side

  • @ConnieBroski
    @ConnieBroski Місяць тому +4

    It’s gorgeous. I completely understand why you want to keep it for your collection. Thank you for sharing it.

  • @dvillebenny1445
    @dvillebenny1445 Місяць тому +3

    Thank you, if it were not for your channel I would never know so much about these jewels. It such a nice way of showing us the best of the best.

  • @verpine3534
    @verpine3534 Місяць тому +2

    Both sides of that stone are heavenly. I think the front has better up-front, smack you in the face color. The back side has all the depth, and layers of much subtler flashes. This is what I see through the camera. To me, the fact that at some point that opal was the home of a living creature adds a depth of meaning that few other opals could equal.
    Thanks for sharing this polishing journey with us, Justin! It should be a focal stone for your collection.

  • @su-ux9tp
    @su-ux9tp Місяць тому +4

    Yesss, it's a keeper!
    And another precious stone for your collection.
    Congratulations🎉

  • @ThatOpalGuy
    @ThatOpalGuy Місяць тому +2

    Cracking stone. I understand why it is going to be cut. I am very happy you have the resources to buy that piece. I THANK you for sharing the journey with US! I cannot decide. that back is just as stunning as the front, and vice versa.

  • @joanrieser2580
    @joanrieser2580 Місяць тому +2

    The most amazing Opal I have ever seen. I didn’t think it was possible to get any better than some of my other favorites you’ve done ❤❤❤❤

  • @mikevee9145
    @mikevee9145 Місяць тому +2

    Cameras never capture the beauty of opal, so one that looks this good on film I can only imagine how it looks in person.

  • @reginaditt128
    @reginaditt128 Місяць тому +3

    WOW, what a beauty !!! No matter what direction you look at from, it is stunning ❤

  • @denyscpoyner
    @denyscpoyner Місяць тому +1

    I agree, the back just flashes color a little better. That's got to be one of the most beautiful crystal opals I've ever had the pleasure to see. 😯

  • @kestonsoldschoolcomicbooks6842
    @kestonsoldschoolcomicbooks6842 Місяць тому +4

    Congrats, Justin. What a beautiful stone. I want to buy my wife a nice opal to put in jewelry...but I sort of want one of these stones just to hold in my own hands!

  • @annylindsay5358
    @annylindsay5358 12 днів тому +1

    Wow, the intricacies on the front, but the depth on the back! Depth is so mesmerising, you could fall in to that one!

  • @W.MOpals
    @W.MOpals Місяць тому +2

    I agree the back of the crystal takes the cake! Thank you for sharing the cutting process. It’s rare to find opal like that and even rarer for some one to show it being cut, we are lucky to have you Justin!

  • @brentedwards2606
    @brentedwards2606 Місяць тому +3

    Wow, amazing opal! Glad to hear you've decided to keep it.

  • @Elga1976
    @Elga1976 Місяць тому +3

    The back is stunning ❤

  • @summersands8105
    @summersands8105 День тому

    I'm glad you decided to keep this stone. She is gorgeous. I think you should call her Gemini as both sides are equally beautiful.

  • @stephaniecruvant9130
    @stephaniecruvant9130 Місяць тому +3

    "Nothing that compares" is the best possible description. This stone is beyond the ken of imagination.

  • @ccccarriemchardy9216
    @ccccarriemchardy9216 Місяць тому +3

    I adore the back, beautiful example.

  • @JerryBracken-vr5ml
    @JerryBracken-vr5ml Місяць тому +3

    Very beautiful congratulations on your new addition to the collection.

  • @karlahall9058
    @karlahall9058 Місяць тому +3

    WOW!!! Justine, that's the most beautiful and colorful opal I've seen you cut yet. Thank you so much for sharing this with us ❤️. When you were spinning the opal while you were cutting it. It was beautiful because it looked like a rainbow 🌈. Not only is it so beautiful, but it was beautiful while you were cutting it. What a treat😊

  • @kimberlyhendricks1229
    @kimberlyhendricks1229 Місяць тому +2

    That stone is phenomenal! I think I like the front best. It reminds me of the photos of the the nebulas from space. It needs to be put in a display case that allows it to be suspended and rotate. Thank you for sharing.❤😮😮

  • @tymeryder7264
    @tymeryder7264 Місяць тому +2

    The rays of the sun, captured in the moment of the stone. Breathtaking.

  • @kevbruce9191
    @kevbruce9191 Місяць тому +3

    That's stunning mate 👌
    Crystal is my kryptonite 🎉

  • @user-mg6il8uk3t
    @user-mg6il8uk3t Місяць тому +3

    That shell fossil opal is unbelievable....!!

  • @tianafrancis9827
    @tianafrancis9827 Місяць тому +4

    Beyond awesome. Thanks for taking us along.

  • @calvinsplan4774
    @calvinsplan4774 Місяць тому +3

    Can I have your life for just one day, a day like that would last me a lifetime. You are truly blessed.

  • @Bobbyo60
    @Bobbyo60 Місяць тому +2

    That is one breathtaking opal!!

  • @susannesamuelsson2930
    @susannesamuelsson2930 Місяць тому +1

    Oh it's amazing dear Justin and both sides are stunning! 👋💎👍 I can't choose a favorite side, that's impossible. I wish that I could hold the opal in my hand and and watch it for some hours and get lost in it's colorplay. What a dream opal Justin with a galaxy of colors! I can understand that this rare opal is a keeper too! Wonderful, Justin and thank you for the video, so enjoyable and greetings to you all at BOD! 👋♥️👍

  • @TomsBackyardWorkshop
    @TomsBackyardWorkshop Місяць тому +3

    The back is definitely its best side. That is a six figure stone if I've ever seen one.

  • @charlestipton6287
    @charlestipton6287 Місяць тому +2

    Congratulations on 250k subscribers 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 let go people hit that button

  • @suzycat2026
    @suzycat2026 Місяць тому +2

    Thanks for sharing such a relaxing & pleasurable experience. Glad you are keeping it, I wouldn't let go either.
    Awesome moments with you Justin. x 😻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🌠

  • @lizarrrdbeth
    @lizarrrdbeth Місяць тому +3

    I love it!!! Its beautiful!! Congrats! I'd love to see that one in person!!!

  • @selfretired3025
    @selfretired3025 Місяць тому +3

    So glad it's going in your collection... and I think the front is slightly nicer with the mix of colors. What a beauty! 👊❤️

  • @bladed.i.6547
    @bladed.i.6547 Місяць тому +3

    Gorgeous! I have to say, I think I like the back better -- more variety of colour (at least what we can see on camera!) Either way, I don't blame you for putting it into your collections. Wow.

  • @Ahm3d_Magdy
    @Ahm3d_Magdy Місяць тому +2

    I have been watching your videos for many years this one is my fav gem ever, I wish I can buy one from you

  • @johnpaxton5841
    @johnpaxton5841 Місяць тому +3

    Mr Justin , thank you for insight and tutorials for your lovely creations with opals I do a bit of work with Spencer Idaho opals . Thank you for all yours and your father's knowledge. God bless to you and family . Rock on

    • @johnpaxton5841
      @johnpaxton5841 Місяць тому +2

      PS I'd put that in my collection as well simply stunning

  • @user-hl6xc8jq8o
    @user-hl6xc8jq8o Місяць тому +1

    I'm glad you're keeping that one. I had to sell my gem pinfire black opal gents ring, and never seen another like it. ❤😊

  • @mookinbabysealfurmittens
    @mookinbabysealfurmittens Місяць тому +3

    GORGEOUS! Thank you for sharing with us, letting us see such a breathtakingly stunning beauty! - and your skillful work that really makes such a treasure shine brilliantly!

  • @xbioman7882
    @xbioman7882 Місяць тому +3

    What a gorgeous stone. You must be ecstatic!

  • @marykubasak
    @marykubasak Місяць тому +3

    I love both sides - it’s fantastic

  • @yvettewatson5822
    @yvettewatson5822 Місяць тому +2

    Fabulous......it's literally a 'looking glass'.........of geometric shapes, alleys, and streets of light!!!
    I'm mesmerized❤️

  • @Shane.Martin
    @Shane.Martin Місяць тому

    Absolutely stunning Opal Justin & in my opinion the back is the front and the front is the back. There's no point in even calling a "back" on something as beautiful as this Opal is. Just let the eyes enjoy it from all angles. Amazing work with it too Justin, your craftsmanship is frikn second to none, love how you cut Opals.

  • @SewTexas
    @SewTexas Місяць тому +3

    She's truly a beauty.

  • @lisamiller2227
    @lisamiller2227 Місяць тому +2

    That's absolutely stunning and one of a kind.

  • @woody2669
    @woody2669 Місяць тому +1

    I see a pattern of you going back to your old Gemasta friend when you have a stone like this one.. the comfort level is understood!🙂✌️

  • @errmathew
    @errmathew Місяць тому +3

    Absolutely beautiful. I mean you gotta show off both sides! Might just be my eyes, but I can see a skull. Got yourself a crystal skull mate! haha. 🙏 May your passion lead you to more just as and/or even more beautiful as this one. Been watching your videos for awhile now. Always find them calming and inspiring. Hopefully one day I can pay you a visit and purchase something absolutely out of this world.

  • @arthurjones9580
    @arthurjones9580 Місяць тому +3

    So freaking beautiful Justin , congratulations! Damn

  • @topcat8839
    @topcat8839 Місяць тому

    Wow this gem deserves a name. a title. Its beyond beautiful, so many different patterns and colours. Thank you Justin and Black Opal Direct for sharing the birth of this one of a kind gem, feel honoured. Until next week.....

  • @johnmahan9336
    @johnmahan9336 Місяць тому +3

    The back and the top! 😊

  • @Scifiotica_presents
    @Scifiotica_presents Місяць тому +1

    Wow, I don’t usually like the crystals but this IS breathtaking.❤

  • @mtnvalley9298
    @mtnvalley9298 Місяць тому +2

    Thanks for the show Justin and Co, Greetings from OriMike in Granby, Colorado!

  • @ResaJo1
    @ResaJo1 Місяць тому

    I'd LOVE to be the lucky jeweler to create a piece that showcases that entire gem! SO BEAUTIFUL, I'm glad you polished it all way round! AMAZING cutting, as usual! Bravo Justin!

  • @carolinepotts5448
    @carolinepotts5448 Місяць тому +2

    How absolutely gorgeous - thank you so much for sharing

  • @JonGilGonefishing
    @JonGilGonefishing Місяць тому

    Wow. It hurt my eyes when you turned it over. Like an eye cramp from how intense the colors were. Most amazing colors.

  • @liquidelectrum
    @liquidelectrum Місяць тому

    Wow. Back better. Thanks for sharing this!

  • @michealklonowski5267
    @michealklonowski5267 Місяць тому +3

    thank you for sharing the adventure and information and experiences awesome opal Cristal, what color and depth ,I probably wouldn't sell it either. a really rare find.a real keeper.😮just in awh.

  • @jackpetersen5776
    @jackpetersen5776 Місяць тому

    Awesome gem opal!! Thanks for sharing the journey!

  • @LientjeArt
    @LientjeArt Місяць тому

    This is truly one of the most beautiful opals I've ever seen, I literally gasped when seeing the final result! Both sides are absolutely stunning and I can't blame you in the slightest for keeping this in your collection.
    Truly one of a kind - priceless!

  • @mariaadam1047
    @mariaadam1047 Місяць тому +1

    It looks like the Earth, as seen from space! Beautiful ❤️

  • @MJSkmb
    @MJSkmb Місяць тому

    The back is absolutely amazing! It's such a beautiful stone by far the best I have seen on your channel thanks for letting us be apart of that beaut!!!!❤❤❤❤

  • @jeffffro7674
    @jeffffro7674 Місяць тому

    The colors are so incredible that one, made me cry. Thank you for sharing it!

  • @donaldinnewmexico
    @donaldinnewmexico Місяць тому

    Congratulations, Justin. Definitely a keeper. Thanks for showing this.

  • @wesleyb_92
    @wesleyb_92 Місяць тому +1

    It has a little bit of everything. Unbelievable. Good on yah Justin. And I knew from the beginning that gem wasn’t going anywhere haha. Had to be yours.

  • @elfox3537
    @elfox3537 Місяць тому +2

    I can’t choose a favorite side! It would make an amazing pendent, suspended inside a thin gauge gold wire sphere so you could see both sides.

  • @amberandrews6842
    @amberandrews6842 Місяць тому +1

    I think I might like the back better. It's got DEPTH! Both sides are magnificent!! Truly a one of a kind. Thank You for sharing this beauty. 🥰🥰

  • @micahrutland3911
    @micahrutland3911 Місяць тому +1

    Amazing Justin. Love to see it!