IDENTIFY Your Opal: Australian vs. Ethiopian
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- In this video, I show ways to EASILY IDENTIFY identify the origin of most types of opal and also show how to tell if your opal is synthetic. I cover Australian opal, including Lightning Ridge Black Opal, Coober Pedy Opal, Mintabie Opal, Andamooka matrix opal and boulder opal. Other opals, including Ethiopian Welo opal, Brazilian Opal, and Virgin Valley opal are shown.
The tests involve using Ultraviolet light to determine fluorescence and phosphorescence and the lick or finger test to test whether you are dealing with hydrophane (water-absorbing opal).
People who haven’t subscribed are missing out. The humor and quality here are unparalleled
i couldnt agree more. i wish this guy was my neighbor, so i could go kick it with him on the weekends.
@Baked And Afraid why would you even say something like that?
@Baked And Afraid no worries. Just curious. I remember saying something super positive about the guy, and your comment seemed so negative. Different strokes for different folks I guess.
@Baked And Afraid ya,no hard feelings in any way. Was just confused. Its early, and I had a LONG day yesterday. So my synapses weren't firing properly. No worries, bud. Be well.
I didn't like his humour and his channel when i first found it...I hated anything fun or humorous at the time. Now I am getting a healthier mind and outlook on life I am in agreement. His humour and channel is pretty damn good for the soul.
I agree with you 100% that you are the only expert around the world That's true teacher..👍👍👍
I learned more here today than if I wouldn’t have watched
Truth.
Cut my first two Australian (Coober Pedy) opals today after about a week of worrying if I’d ruin them. Thanks for being an inspiration and a source of education Colonel 🙏
Nice, get into Lighting Ridge high quality material then! The stress is comparable ✌️😁
@@LaurentiusTriarius that’s the plan! Already got a couple ounces of practice material on the way!
Thank you for another informative and fun video. Regards from Scotland.
Hello again! Here’s my question...Do you know that the world is a better place because of your videos? 💎
This channel gives me so much joy.
You are a breath of fresh air! And obviously extremely qualified to comment on the subject of Opal! Thank you! I stumbled across your video while trying to determine if I have a real antique 5 Opal ring. Looking forward to watching more of your content!
Only 8 months .... you can send me a photo and I'll try ....I hope that your dog didn't eat it! I love dogs, but .... cats don't eat opal. With a big silly dog ....... dinner is served! info@pulitzeropal.com
Sir, I hope you understand just how delightful your videos are. I adore your sense of humor, how you share Paco with us, and of course the lovely work you do!!!
gee ... such nice comments!I missed them back then. I sure appreciate the nice words!
My wife pointed our UV light at me and pronounced I was fake. She's trying to see how to send me back. Be safe and stay healthy 😷⚒
I'd be looking for a new wife.
😆
“Bruh!” 😂
But did she wait to see the green afterglow? I doubt it! She will have to wait to ship you "back!"
What's the story of how you got Paco? I asked because of how I ended up with my cat, Tuna. She was a stray kitten in the parking lot where I had just moved after a cold winter. Once the pandemic started, it was better for both of us to be together! I could keep this smol kitty safe and fed while she could give me much needed company. Lured her to the door slowly by feeding her canned tuna, and took her in one day!
Sheila I would like to congratulate you for your patience.
Working with a " Special person " can be challenging.
But again you are working hard and your personality is what makes this channel work.
I know that you probably won't have time to reply with all the work your coworker puts on you.
Hahahahaha I chuckled all the way through this.
Bruh... I love your sense of humour.
And Shielas 😂
See, Kira .... I told you that I read them all! (eventually .... maybe....)
@@PulitzerOpal you’re a good man.
I talk a lot though, so hope you have loads of free time. 🤣
Colonel, I subscribed after the first video of yours that I watched! " Bruh Seriously who wouldn't?" I also try to comment, because it helps the algorithm. Thank You for the public service announcement.
Thanks for the nice comment. Sorry that I took so long to reply!
My question is: Where have you been, young man? (tapping foot)... 😆 I was worried, you know, with all this craziness going around...
Bingo!!! Me too, this guy makes me happy and I'm into that but his videos are so far apart
But worth it ,when Shiela allows! the poor defenceless Gentleman. 🏴😁👍🏴
Okay. I have been pretty good about hitting the 3 week mark lately. I cannot do them faster, because I will get in SEVERE trouble with my wife! They take me about 2 weeks, so every 2 weeks would be 24-7-365.
That phosphorescence... bruh...
I was always under the impression opal was fluorescent. I didn't know about the phosphorescence, or that both depend on the type of opal. Fun fact (if you do not know), both phosphorescence and fluorescence occur when the impurities/dopants in the gemstone absorb energy from incoming light, excite the electrons inside the material, and then those excited electrons then reemit a portion of that energy as light (often in a different wavelength). Its the impurities themselves, and how they are bonded inside the structure that matter. A cool example of this are sapphires and rubies. Both of them are crystalline aluminum oxide. The chromium impurities that give rubies their distinctive color cause a bright pink fluorescence from UV light, but the iron and titanium impurities that give blue sapphires their color usually don't. I think I will go dive through some text books and try to figure out why the Australian opals act so differently than the others.
As always, an entertaining and educational video. Keep up the good work.
Bruhhhh this channel is fire. Lots of confusion to come once people start describing opals as fire as a marker of caliber and not type.
That's too hot for me to touch .... and you wrote it two years too early!
I’m really glad to have come across your channel. Learned a few things about opals from watching a few of your videos already. Thank you so much for your funny but very informative content. You just helped me discover what type of opal I have on an old ring! 😊
You're very welcome! I'm glad to hear that my videos have been helpful in identifying the type of opal you have on your old ring. If you have any more questions or if there's anything else you'd like to learn about opals, feel free to ask. I'm here to help! 😊
That does not sound like me!, yessie! I never use emojis, for one. But you can ask me. I think that my cousin got the keys to the computer and started saying idiotic stuff! AND ... that comment is WAY TOO polite! I never say, "you're very welcome" .... never
@@PulitzerOpal Yea seems a bit out of your character. Haha, I also believe you with the emojis, maybe it was Sheila! She is always up to no good 👍 😆
Acid works great at removing calcium buildup in the coffee pot.... a must!
This is the quality content all of us need right now
*Give Away Question:*
What is the best type of equipment a new opal cabochon crafting enthusiast on a budget would need to buy? For example..........an all in one grinding / cutting system or separate equipment?
your youtube channel is very informative. i have no questions about that!
Just found your channel and you are pretty funny! Lol that’s good! I realized as you were talking that your voice reminds me of my great grandfathers voice, he died like 55 years ago but I still temper his voice and what he looked like even though I was like 5 at the time, so thank you for the good memory I guess 😆. That’s really interesting how the opals will turn blue them green. There must be some kind of phosphorescent in them for them to do that. Another reason Australian opals are special.
Was you grandfather from south Louisiana? (new orleans area)
@@PulitzerOpal nope he was from Wshingont State. Im still watching your channel! Love your sense of humor.
Glad I found you in the giant CZcams world 🌎
Appreciate the info, love your high witted humor. I have not subscribed to a channel in years but yours sir, i wish i discovered and subscribed sooner.
I hope that you are still subscribed, C! Sheila is checking up on all of my subscribers! I suggest that you not answer your door!
Very interesting vid sir, glad you shared again. 👍👍
And no, I did not spit on it! Deserves a subscription.
I didn't know that tests like that exists! Thanks I'm almost sure that I will use them in the future.
Have you ever tried cabbing Labradorite? I've got some big chunks and it's very directional, making it challenging to face it properly in a setting.
One of my absolute favourite stones.. have 2 bits of rough and one small polished globe.. utterly stunning formations
Quick question: What is the proper way to care for opal jewelry?
Lick them, didnt you watch the video?
@@Leafbinder Your answer made me lol.
i have a question for you: what was the biggest challenge for you when first learning how to cut/set opals, and how did you overcome that challange? thankyou
Reading the stone for proper cut angle is hardest for me. Getting the most color play. I've cut some, as I'm forming the cabochon dome noticed that had I cut it at slightly diff angle or even the other side I'd have gotten better results. Looking at a pc of rough & determining the proper (axis) & angle is toughest for me. You really can't see what's inside till you get there. But as you gain experience you can tell more easily.
Like looking a log & seeing the pattern. End cut you get growth rings. Side cut you get grain, if you slightly cross angle cut a log, you get growth rings & grain pattern. Best analogy I've got.
Thanks so much! This was so helpfull! 😊
Wow top 10! How's it goin I haven't watched in a while but glad to watch when I have time and now that I'm off work for the summer I got lots of that. Beautiful Stones! (giggidy)
Are you still making arrowheads and if so would you show some of your personal favorites on a video?
@@PulitzerOpal I love em
In Australia we use Opal cards for trains and buses!
@@PulitzerOpal ahahahaha 🤣👏
Just FYI
Recently many Ethiopian opals have been found to be treated with a polymer impregnation, seemingly in efforts to stabilise the otherwise notably hydrophane material, this treatment isn't widespread, but, when present will greatly reduce or eliminate the previous hydrophaneity entirely making the lick test ultimately unhelpful in discernment.
Also, whilst fluorescence and subsequent phosphorescence are quite common in australian white, crystal, and, even some black opals, it should be remembered that there are exceptions, australian opals come in many varieties from many different locations, and, with such variety, it should be noted that some australian opals be they white, crystal, or, black containing higher than average iron concentrations, and, not forgetting the lesser known australian opals of volcanic origins all may show different results under UV tests than their more common sedimentary counterparts.
I recently subscribed because of your excellent sense of humor but have also learned so much about opals in the interim. So…..thanks for the memories. 👏👏👏😂👏👏👏
My question is: what is your favorite way to cut a stone, and/or what is the “easiest” way to cut a stone?
The easiest, would be to hire it done for you 😉
Get Pulitzer to do it. Wouldn't you be the honoured one if the professor did🏴🤞🧙♂️🏴
All Opals are my favorite, and other Gems, that do something for me, like Color Change, color shift.
You are so humble and entertaining 👍👍👍
I love your voice! But I can't picture your kind face! Thanks for the time and effort you put into your videos:-) please film yourself talking one of these days. Unless you already have and I didn't see the video
I enjoy your videos: cats, outrageous statements, slight walk backs, tongues, science, rants....
Who else has such mastery of the craft?
Also, I really enjoyed the increased playback speeds in some areas as well as the apparent deletion of short segments of time between words in some parts of the video. It really focuses my attention. (They've done studies on how human minds can easily comprehend when playback speeds are increased significantly. Just don't ask me who "they" are. If I tell you they may hurt me)
@@PulitzerOpal the primary reason I love your channel. We are too much alike, I fear.
@@PulitzerOpal weeeeeelllll
I won't disagree with you, but I'm no angel.
@@ThatOpalGuy Calm down, TOG! You're thinking too much today .... and by "today," I mean 2 years ago! dp
It definitely WAS my cousin. I told him that he could read a few. I didn’t sat that he could answer them. (But I should have known that he would give it a try, I guess!)
*I always turn to Pulitzer Opal for the inside scoop on all things opal!*
Ethiopian opals are often smoked. Like Bacon. It turns them dark or black. The treatment will leach in water or light solvents. Usually very low grade Ethiopian opals are smoked to enhance color.
Another good way to tell natural from Synthetics. By sight : Genuine opal has a depth of play. You'll see play below the surface inside the crystal. Synthetics have a very surface oriented play of color. Its why taking photos of genuine opal is difficult.(Camera shy) The didgital cameras only picks up whats at the surface. (Film photography is diff, it sees what you see). IE; You may see deep reds, blues inside an opal. But your camera is only picking up the surface colors, ei: yellows or greens. One of best ways to see this phenomenon ( by eye) is with a clear Ethiopian crystal or jelly opal. You can see the planes (silicon sphericals that make up opal) that refract play of color. They are very random in placement. There's no pattern to them. The planes may Intersect, twist, have bends, & waves. Because of that, the same plane may refract many colors at different angles. (its a bit more complicated w density ect. You can research that yourself) Not just one color like synthetics. Once youve seen this natural display phenomenon, you can very easily look at other opals including Australian & see the depth of play below the surface. Inside the stone. Something mftrs of synthetics have yet to replicate.( It may just be a matter of time).
Researchers have found through scientific investigation of host rock & opals; natural opal was more than likely created w the help of tiny ancient, bio organisms that ate some of the minerals, & left behind 💩, what you see. It may prove to be difficult to replicate.
It just takes a little experience. But you'll be able to spot Nat opal just by looking at it.
As always, a great helpful vid.
GOD bless thanks for the good spirit and info...specially about the sugar and acid
What a Gem! This guy literally makes my day better.
I think that you guys must be hitting the sauce! How pleasant the comments were .... back then! (Maybe if I read them, I would find that the recent ones are also pleasant.. I have been reading them a lot lately!) dp
Learned so much from this video
That’s kinda amazing! I asked black Opal direct to do this last week!
Are there ever opal parcels for sale that haven't been windowed by the miners,if so how do i purchase them?Really like your videos,i find the very informative. Thankyou!!!
Write the miners. We know when a a parcel is better or worse & sell the worse odds sight unseen & the better odds all rubbed, just saying. Its a volume thing for the big boys. Which is why the middle men buy them out & regrade it to resell retail. see some of the listed descriptions for variety compared to cost per oz then per gm.
@Fun With MineralsI know ,i would like to be the first one to look into a stone thats where the real fun is.I would try to mine my own but i got a bad back that makes it impossible. Thanks for responding.
@@ResortDog thanks,really appreciate.
@@tombrooks3812 No worries. I wish most of them were no soso opals as they come to light, but it beats the wheel barrels of dead woods.
@Fun With Minerals I'll try to find the name and see what happens .Thanks much appreciated.
Do you have conversations with Sheila? You know communicating is key right
For a good relationship, yes indeed
I'm really glad I'm already a subscriber. I'm not sure I'd pass the interview with Sheila. My question is, what's your favorite opal that you've cut?
Yaaaay! You're back😻
Thank you Doctor Opal!
You must have caught me after a break.... I guess!
This video made me lick my opals...🤣🤣
Does it taste good?
Bahaha same
Man you crack me up 😂😂 absolutely love your channel. Opals and making me laugh so much🤜🤛
Because of you, I have started collecting opals. I have mintabie, lightning ridge, Boulder, coober pedy and Ethiopian. What would suggest I collect next? Love your videos! And Sheila! And your lovely wife and nephew. ❤️
How about Virgin Valley Nevada opal?
@@tombrooks3812 You may want to try Indonisian wood opals. Palm wood, bamboo root, is stunning black opal. Extremely expensive for good play. Theres diff types of Ethiopian. They're "Hydrophane". But there's yellow, orange fire, white base colors, clear jelly, chocolate( highly unstable but gorgeous esp honey comb pat) .Very rare Natural black Ethiopian opals( not smoked, they're enhanced garbage). Just as diff types of Aussie.
Not all opal has color play. They are most popular. Dendric opals, Blue, green opals of Brazil. Mexican fire opals, many types of U.S opalized wood, Nevada NM AZ Col.
Edit: Aussie opals w most red in them, are most expensive & rare. Black w Lighten blue my fav.
There's diff patterns. Mackerel. Chaffe, honeycomb, rolling flash etc. Collect examples of each.
@@PulitzerOpal Thank you for the suggestions ❤️
@@roberttyrrell2250 Thanks for the suggestions.
@@PulitzerOpal Hi sorry Not sure why I don't get all the responses. YT Algorithm (??)
I have a few contacts I'll pass your name / contact on if thats OK? I never give out ppls info w/o OK. That way You can deal w them direct.
Definitely subscribed bruh. Keep up the good content.
I lick rocks & softer things too, like conies, but I guess thats just what deplorable opal miners do. Not all volcanic opal is hydrophane or water seeker. I can't believe you double exposed the Virgin Valley making it look crappy instead of all red flashy. The potch here acts like your white opals do. There are many kinds of woods from Virgin Valley as there are many opal layers, over 14 (& they change).
The fee digs work one of the three main lahar levels where there was a never ending amount. Some surface woods UV react nicely with boulder opal like layer of precious opal over agatey hard opalizied wood, majority is non precious. Pin fire wood is the bare minimum of that gem grade stuff unless you are talking precious replacement. The best is line fire cell replacement then super gem throughout the wood in a mixture.
No opal bank "wood like wood" reacts & red ones you can crumble with your hand despite hard gem opal in the veins. The surface float wood all reacts.
I found a hand full of small opals noodling in Coober Pedy!
what's your favourite pattern on an opal?... or better yet, whats your all time favourite opal? (yours or otherwise)
There is much too much sophistication here for my sensibilities haha!!! I'm so happy to see you again!!
Boy, I must have been gone a loooonng time .... maybe 5 weeks (I think that is my record!)
I love your videos, Can't wait for more.
Hey!!!! Have missed you so glad your back
I understand why all of these comments are so good. That was when you all thought I was dead ..... and just for being "sixty-something" That was harsh! (But thanks for the nice comment!)
for welo the water test may not work so well if the stone if polished or faceted, it works great on rough
This is the first video I have seen of yours brah. I subscribed to your channel I learned so much from one video! I think opals are my favorite gemstone but there are so many others I will watch and learn from you even if you are a simp and if you decide to yeet any of your opals send them my way. I’m just kidding brah you have a great sense of humor and a lot of knowledge thank you
Are you really the number one opal expert in the universe?
Bruh where you from? I want to simp by your place and have you yeet an opal at me.
I really enjoy and look forward to the videos thank you for making them.
What am I supposed to do with this opal? Oh well, forget the question, I will figure it out when you send it to me! Thanks for all of your videos.
Super interesting, Thanks for the Tests👍
Big fan, very new to the scene/hobby and really appreciate having your videos for knowledge and entertainment. Thank you for all the great content and humor.
You can never go wrong with the information that I provide .... (maybe that was "right" not "wrong" - I'll ask my wife ....... wait! My wife say that I use "stupid humor" Better try somebody else!
Why do people not subscribe, how can they see you once and not subscribe. Surly The Most Lovely Sheila is enough to make the most ardent person subscribe but with your good self explaining,in very clear terms ,information that's just not available ANYWHERE ELSE . How can they not. Madness I tell you,pure madness 😠🤯🤪🏴😁🏴
When was the moment that you came across opal, and decided you wanted to get deep into it?
As soon as I looked into Sheila's eyes.
@@PulitzerOpal , when you first started cutting stones, opal was your first choice? Or did you start with something a little more forgiving?
I can't believe that did not show up on my feed. What is the most interesting place you have ever been?
Or
What is a crazy story that no one would believe that actually happened to you.
My question is what is the biggest financial loss you’ve ever taken on an opal?
Solid question
Lol, you first. What's your worst disaster wanna talk about that?!?
@@sarahallgood798 Spending my Bitcoin in the early days.
I'd have several hundred thousand dollars right now 😔
@@PulitzerOpal very intersting; its nice to get an idea of the "nuts and bolts" of things - many thanks and best of luck with your endeavours
London UK ❤🇬🇧
Hey are you married to Sheila?
bruh i just discovered your channel by chance. you’re such a funny chap. pls tell sheila i already subscribed but sr i wont do an interview w her
and lastly congrats my fellow viet that won the giveaway
I’ve missed you bro. Ya. I’m old school. Anyway, I have but one question, what started your fascination with these beautiful stones?❤️🇨🇦
Very informative and fun. Thank you
What region of opal is the most personally appealing to you? I am a fan of boulder opal
What is Sheila's favorite brand of lip stick? Asking for a friend.
Ha! Frickin brilliant. Stand-up opal polishing!
Enjoying your vids! Keep it up bruhhh..
Btw is will hydrophane opal loses it’s colour (after it’s dry) if it gets in contact with water too much? Also where does hydrophane opal is usually found?
You’re sure doing a lot of giveaways colonel 😎 As always thanks for the awesome video 👍
Always the Scientist. .. always COOL STUFF
How long have you been working with opals? And did you practice on other stones before you gained enough confidence to work with opals?
My question is- have you ever ruined a valuable opal stone when cutting and polishing? And do you still have the stone as a reminder?
Can you tell me, please, what color code of this dark red synth opal? op20? It looks very impressive for me.
Fairy Opalton Matrix Andamooka Australia is the Best..😊👍
NEW SUBSCRIBER! I saw one of your videos for the first time and loved it. Useful information, great sense of humor and a well done video.
Now for the question;
What else does a guy need?
In my first hand experience testing Australian opals, only those from South Australia tend to have any fluorescence. True lightning ridge black opal doesn’t fluoresce, nor does nsw white cliffs opal or Queensland boulder opal. So I would say that around 30% of Australian opal fluoresces. I’ve test my many personally mined and fossicked opals from all above locations with UVA, B and C, with both led and fluorescent tubes.
@Pulitzer Opal, what is your favorite opal that you have in your possession? I’m feeling froggy so I’ll ask you another. What is your favorite kind of opal, pattern, play of color, and faceting?
What is your opinion on the current UAP/UFO disclosure news lately?
nice to see you again!
What are the most common mistakes new opal cutters make?
BULLY! Good show old chap! Way to wax the ol’ wicket!
Dude honestly, can’t say it enough. I saw your vid pop up on my notifications this morning and couldn’t wait to get home and get my Pulitzer fix! And of course you never disappoint good sir!
For the give away... pineapple or no pineapple on pizza??? I’m impartial myself, I just wanted to get my entry in there 😉 cheers bruh! 🤣
Donald love your Videos. Does your wife get upset your spending time in your lab alone with Shelia?
That light test was awesome. Maybe you should write a book about Opals or just one small book on treating Adamooka sp Opal. For the cost between it and the real thing, the colors are amazing!
Bruh, you are hilarious! This episode was great bro!
Thanks, tim!
We're not crude! Love this guy.
Where is the best way for newbies to get opal?
When you "Seal"Cracks in the Opals, does that decrease the value of the Opal?
I'm heading out to lightning ridge today... it's an 8 hour drive away... I plan to pick up mine spoil from the side of the road. There's a chance of good opal there.