You will find lots of similar information on the subject of opals, when you browse the Internet using wikipedia.
OPALS
A little bit of history about my self, at a very young age I left the eastern coastal strip where a huge part of the population live in Australia to go west. I was quite fascinated by the old black opal gem feels around the town of lightning Ridge in the State of New South Wales he enjoyed looking for fossils as much as Opal’s. 2006 July the industry awarded the only Australian interim heritage order over the famous 3 mile open cut of his which is the richest black opal feel and also the highest quality Black Opal ever produced in the history of the industry. As Graham is the only black opal dealer which has been awarded a heritage listing you can feel very comfortable purchasing from his website as the quality of the 3 mile opal, our integrity is impeccable,we are often available to answer questions regarding the Australian opal industry just add his website to your favourite and on his homepage you will find if you scroll down the page there is a contact form please do not hesitate to contact us.
Black Opal is a great investment reasons why.
Black Opal is a great investment each opal is unique and this is why they are of such value and very easy to resell especially in these volatile times, this is why valuable metals such as gold are so expensive at the moment. Gold unlike Opal is difficult to store as gold is heavy and very bulky to transport unlike opal and other gemstones they are light and small and very easy to transport anywhere in the world if needed
local information updated regularly
The weather conditions are still very dry no major roads blocked . Most rainwater dams are very low, dams connected to artesian ball water have plenty of water. This is truly a great time to get involved in the black opal industry in the township of lightning Ridge and surrounding districts, the township is set up with all the services that you need Schooling and hospital, good shopping and there is plenty of machinery available to go prospecting for opal, new and used machinery plenty of entertainment dancing at the bowling club readily, outdoor lawn bowls, golfing, horse races, and these days lightning Ridge also has a Olympic swimming pool with Olympic diving facilities. Their is plenty of outdoor activities hunting wild boar, and there is also a free hot water artesian deep water pool which is very relaxing and therapeutic, plenty of nature life examples birds parrots Eagles kangaroos , there are a few watering holes after a hard day’s work, sports gun club. And a great weekend football competition. And last of all I would like to wish all the Opal prospectors out on the new OPA 4 all the best work safe and I hope someone drills up a spectacular gem multicolour black opal predominantly red in colour, this will lead as hopefully to a great new opal feel and a opal Rush out west.
Opal : Three mile open cut opal mine which is the largest open cut at lightning Ridge Australia.
A couple of lightning Ridge black Opal stories
Lucky adventures Rags to Riches. I knew two young men one was born in the Township of Lightning Ridge and the other born in the city he tried his luck in the big Australian outback, by the age of 30 these men were worth 10 million dollars each. They teamed up and went exploring the outback with a nine inch expiration truck they put down drill holds and tested the soil by washing the clay on the deep opal levels, and to my surprise the next time I caught up with them they had turned into million airs, from out of the deep hole came to the surface of the outback and for the first time the naked eye was dazzled and nearly blinded because when sun of the Australian outback strikes the face of this rarest of gem it is one of the greatest moments in your life, a large deposit rivals some of the famous collections of jewelry around the world, you have to see it for yourself to believe the magic of the moment, for example diamonds are not rare it is a controlled industries and very well marketed. Where Black Opal can never supply the world’s markets like diamonds, because it is so rare each piece unlike diamonds is unique and very personalized there is only one of each unlike diamonds here are millions all the same. Beautiful Opal jewellery is for unique people .
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Whilst selling Opal around the world I have been studying jewellery designers from Europe, United States of America to Asia and the middle east I have studied with some of the best designers in the world and have concentrated my effort on unique one of a kind opal jewelry specializing in only handmade special pieces of jewelry designed by brilliant Goldsmith’s. Unique jewelry is my passion because they enhanced a woman’s beauty especially when they are worn around the front of a ladies neck, the only word that can express this is sheer elegance. Opal earrings are my favourite, exotic black Opal enhances the beauty of females all around the world. I concentrate on the artistic side of jewellery using free forms.
Opal : Three mile open cut opal mine Lightning Ridge .
Birthstone information
Month Modern Traditional Star Sign Planetary Stones January Garnet Garnet – Crusaders used this gem for protection from injury. Ancient warriors thought it would bring victory. Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) Lapis Lazuli February Amethyst Amethyst – Saint Valentine wore an Amethyst. It made up Cleopatra’s signet ring. Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) Turqoise March Aquamarine Bloodstone – was the preferred stone when carving religious subjects. Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) Aquamarine April Diamond Diamond – The brilliance of a Diamond as always been appreciated throught the ages. It is also a Girl’s Best Friend. Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19) Jasper May Emerald Emerald – was once believed to ward off many kinds of sickness, the green represented life, which is renewed in the spring. Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) Emerald June Pearl Alexandrite – Discovered in 1839, it was named after Prince Alexander of Russia. It reflected the Russian national colors, red and green. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Tiger Eye July Ruby Ruby – the red in a ruby represnted blood, which represented life. Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Moonstone August Peridot Sardonyx – Roman soldiers wore this gem to bring good fortune and in the middle ages, it was believed to bring gravitas to the wearer. Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Rock Crystal September Sapphire Sapphire – represented a pure soul. It was often worn by priests for protection from impure thoughts. Virgo (Aug 23-Sept 22) Citrene October Opal Opal – represented hope and love in the western and eastern worlds. Thieves wore these in hopes of not getting caught. Libra (Sept 23-Oct 22) Sapphire November Topaz Topaz – was believed to have a relaxing and cooling effect: on boiling water, fever, and even anger. Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) Garnet or Ruby
Gemstones
One – Honeymoon year – Blue Topaz
Two – Second year of your marriage – Coal
Three – Third year of your marriage – Peridot
Four – Fourth year of your marriage – Amethyst
Five – Fifth year of your marriage – Rhodolite Gardnet
Six – Sixth year of your marriage – Lapis Lazuli
Seven -Seven year of your marriage – Zircon
Eight – Eighth year of your marriage – Pearl
Nine – Nine year of your marriage – Andalusite
Ten – Tenth year of your marriage – Green tourmaline
Eleven – Eleventh year of your marriage – Spinel
Twelve – Twelve year of your marriage – Opal
Thirteen – Thirteen year of your marriage – Tsavorite Garnet
Fourteen – fourteen year of your marriage – Kunzite
Fifteen – Fifteen year of your marriage – Blue Sapphire
Sixteen – Sixteen year of your marriage – Topaz
Seventeen – Seventeen year of your marriage – Rubellite Tourmaline
Eighteen – Eighteen year of your marriage – Aquamarine
Nineteen – Nineteen year of your marriage – Golden Beryl
Twenty-twenty four – Twenty fourth year of your marriage – Emerald
Twenty five-twenty nine – Twenty fifth year of your marriage – Jade
Thirty five-thirty nine – Thirty year of your marriage – Cat’s Eye Chysoberyl
Forty-forty four – Fortieth year of your marriage – Ruby
Forty five-forty nine – Forty fifth year of your marriage – Tanzaniate
Fifty-fifty four – Fifty year of your marriage – Gold Sapphire
Sixty – And the big One – Diamond
January
The birthstone for this month is the garnet, which was once thought to be connected with the blood. This stone is supposed to protect the wearer from nightmares and offer guidance through the dark.
Garnets are long lasting and durable gems, with a fiery, ravishing beauty. This is type of gem that the wearer will treasure forever, no matter what item of jewellery it is set into. Garnets are traditionally thought of as deep red, but actually come in a wide range of colours, so there is something to suit every taste for this month.
February
The birthstone for this month is the amethyst, and the folklore attached to this gem associates it with sobriety, tranquillity, protection and peace. This birthstone as also been linked to improving the skin and preventing baldness, as well as protection from deceit, so it has a lot to live up to!
The amethyst birthstone comes in varying shades of purple, and can be a pale lilac in colour. On the other end of the scale, you can also get deep violet amethysts, which means that you can enjoy a birthstone that is as subtle or as rich as you like. This birthstone is very hardwearing, and its strength and durability will ensure that it lasts for a very long time.
March
This month’s birthstone is aquamarine, which has been linked to the making of new friends as well as affection and love, hope and health. This stone was once also thought to protect those at sea.
As the name of this birthstone suggests, it is a green-blue in colour and has a rich, sparkling look. You can get aquamarine birthstones in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you can also get this stone in varying shades of green-blue.
April
One of the most popular gems throughout history, diamonds are the birthstone for this month, and these stones are linked to love, eternity and strength. This has contributed towards diamonds being the most popular gems of all time when it comes to romance, such as engagement rings and wedding bands.
Diamonds are very strong and hardwearing, making them the perfect birthstone to wear on a daily basis. You can enjoy many different cuts of this stone, and the fiery, glamorous sparkle given off by diamonds is positively captivating.
May
This month’s birthstone is the beautiful emerald, once linked to health and the curing of ailments, as well as being associated with the ability to see in to the future, giving them an almost bewitching, magical reputation.
These fiery green gems are amazing to look at, and can be found in a variety of shapes and cuts. The beauty and richness of this stone makes it the perfect gem for birthstone jewellery, and is something that the wearer can show off and take pride in for a long time.
June
The elegant pearl is the birthstone for the month of June, and this gem has been linked with chastity and modesty, making it something of an angelic, pure birthstone. They are also linked to successful and happy marriages.
These round, stunning birthstones come in a variety of colours, and a range of sizes. Pearls can look spectacular yet modest in all manner of jewellery from birthstone rings, to earrings and necklaces, making them a perfect gift.
July
The birthstone for this month is the ravishing ruby, a stone traditionally linked with protection and harmony. This birthstone has been mined since ancient times, and boasts a spectacular beauty.
Deep red in colour, rubies are stunning birthstones that will liven up and enhance any piece of jewellery. These gems have a unique, vivid and fiery appearance that would delight anyone.
August
The birthstone for the month of August is peridot, which was commonly linked with protection against evil and night terrors, as well as a gem that enhanced the properties of healing drugs.
Lime green in colour, this birthstone is a by-product of volcanic action, and comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This birthstone gives off its own unique energy, and is strong and durable.
September
Sumptuous sapphire is the birthstone associated with September, and this gem has been linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight. It was thought that the stronger the sparkle of the gem, the more faithful and honest the wearer.
These birthstones look stunning in all types of jewellery, especially in white gold and platinum metal. However, sapphires can come in other colours as well as blue. These are strong and durable gems that will last for years to come, and can be passed down to future generations.
October
The birthstone of October is the opal, a stone that has been linked to purity, hope and innocence. This gem has also been linked to healing forces, friendship and emotion, so it has experienced its fair share of folklore over the years.
This type of birthstone comes in white or black, and both variations have remnants of other colours within them. Opals have a unique look and beauty, making them a very interesting birthstone with a strangely exquisite appearance.
November
The birthstone for this month is topaz, once linked with sanity, healing, and life, as well as being connected to strength by the ancient Greeks. This stone has even been linked to an ability to make the wearer invisible in dangerous situations.
This birthstone comes in a range of colours, all of which will enhance any jewel with a fiery sparkle. Colours include golden, blue, pale green, pink and red, as well as some other rare colours. A stunning gem, topaz boasts both beauty and strength.
December
The given birthstone for December is turquoise, and this precious stone was once linked to happiness, fortune and luck, making it a very popular gem in centuries gone by.
Turquoise can range in colour from mid-blue to a green-blue or light green colour, and this birthstone is unusual and beautiful, making it a very distinctive and unusual addition to any jewellery collection.
Opal Images : Three mile open cut opal mine
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Birthstones: |
Birth Flowers: |
| January: |
Garnet (constancy) |
Carnation or Snowdrop |
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| February: |
Amethyst (sincerely, and thought to keep one sober.) |
Violet or Primrose |
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| March: |
Aquamarine (courage & intelligence) |
Jonquil or Violet |
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| April: |
Diamond (innocence & purity) |
Daisy or sweet pea |
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| May: |
Emerald (success in love) |
Lily of the Valley or Hawthorn |
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| June: |
Pearl (health & beauty) |
Rose or Honeysuckle |
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| July : |
Ruby (glory, prevents nightmares & preserves chastity—is said to darken if love is not faithful.) |
Larkspur or Water Lily |
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| August: |
Sardonyx (matrimonial happiness) |
Poppy or Gladiolus |
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| September: |
Sapphire (wisdom, truth & faithfulness) |
Aster or Morning Glory |
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| October: |
Opal (hope & fortune) |
Calendula or Marigold |
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| November: |
Topaz (fidelity & cheerfulness) |
Chrysanthemum |
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| December: |
Turquoise (harmony & prosperity.) |
Narcissus or Holly |
Humanity is beginning to rediscover the almost forgotten healing arts based on earth energies that is thought to be inherent in several different stones. Crystals and minerals were the first thought to contain the necessary power used in healing many types of sicknesses. Next came the gemstones themselves and the clearer and more perfect, the more power they contained.
Amulets were made of various combinations which were thought to ward off evils, sickness and bad luck while imparting to the wearer the powers to do mighty things. For example: an ancient circular stone was believed to embody the powers of strength and that is why they were worn as arm bands. A 10,000year old shaman was discovered in the Italian Alps with a similar arm band in place. Then there is the Pi disk from China that is a protective device worn since ancient times.
Birthstone by Color Month-January-dark red-month of February-purple-month of March-pale blue-month of April-month of May-bright green-month of June-cream month of July-bright red-month of August-pale green-month of September-deep blue-month of October-variegated-month of November-yellow-month of December-skyblue.
jewellery information
An antique opal engagement ring is like a fine lady or work of art; it speaks of the cultivation and refined taste of its owner. It is a showpiece of superb old-world craftsmanship, in contrast to the plain bands and prong settings of most modern rings. Because it is too costly to reproduce such intricate detail nowadays, antique rings will continue to appreciate in value over time.
The most desirable estate engagement rings on the market today date from the late Victorian era turn of the century. Such rings reflect the popular tastes of their time; therefore, rings from different eras have very different characteristics. Rings from the turn of the century through the 1920s were often made in white gold or platinum, with fine filigree (lace-like) detail on the mounting. Both yellow gold and white gold engagement rings were popular in the 1930s and 1940s, as were white and yellow gold combinations. A typical ring from this period may have smaller side diamonds, and/or intricate carving on the ring shank, such as flowers, leaves, hearts or geometric shapes. The center diamond is often set in a white gold square-shaped box, enhancing the color and size of the stone; therefore, a diamond in a 1940s mounting will always look much larger than one in a solitaire prong setting.
An antique opal engagement ring is like a fine lady or work of art; it speaks of the cultivation and refined taste of its owner. It is a showpiece of superb old-world craftsmanship, in contrast to the plain bands and prong settings of most modern rings. Because it is too costly to reproduce such intricate detail nowadays, antique rings will continue to appreciate in value over time.
The most desirable estate engagement rings on the market today date from the late Victorian era turn of the century. Such rings reflect the popular tastes of their time; therefore, rings from different eras have very different characteristics. Rings from the turn of the century through the 1920s were often made in white gold or platinum, with fine filigree (lace-like) detail on the mounting. Both yellow gold and white gold engagement rings were popular in the 1930s and 1940s, as were white and yellow gold combinations. A typical ring from this period may have smaller side diamonds, and/or intricate carving on the ring shank, such as flowers, leaves, hearts or geometric shapes. The center diamond is often set in a white gold square-shaped box, enhancing the color and size of the stone; therefore, a diamond in a 1940s mounting will always look much larger than one in a solitaire prong setting.
Black Opal Mining : Three mile open cut opal mine Lightning
Books
Price & value guides
Collectible Costume Jewelry : Identification & Values [Cherry Simonds]
Cherri Simonds is a young collector who published this book in 1997 for new collectors especially. Glorious photographs from her own and other collections, sensible value ranges, marks identifications and history behind the marks where available. A great value for the money. Author Cherri Simonds is a Member of Jewelcollect. Hardcover.
Collectible Costume Jewelry: ID and Value Guide [Henzel]
This book’s first edition has long been out of print but here is the new edition, published in 1997 by this respected author. Recommended for new collectors at an easy price, too. Paperback.
Collecting Rhinestone & Colored Jewelry
The 3rd edition of this well known and respected book, it is a must-have for all beginner collectors. Previous editions are out-of-print, but this is still available without waiting. Many color photographs, value identifications. Paperback.
Collectors Encyclopedia of Hairwork Jewelry : Identification & Values
Published August 1998. No published reviews available. Hardcover
Complete Price Guide to Antique Jewelry [Gilbert]
For collectors of costume jewelry, this book may still be of interest as many also collect precious antique jewelry. Even if not actively collecting, it’s always interesting to study and recognize precious collectible jewelry from the rare to the mundane as categorized in this fine book, another good gift idea to the collector who already has many books. Hardcover.
The Bakelite Collection [by Matthew L. Burkholz, John Hylton (Photographer)]
From a published review, … describes the many differing collecting preferences of some of the nation’s most prolific appreciators of fine Bakelite jewelry. People from all walks of life alike have fallen prey to Bakelite fever. The Bakelite Collection showcases some of the best of their fantastic jewelry in full color. Also price guide. Hardcover. Author Matthew L. Burkholz is a Member of Jewelcollect.
Cameos: Classical to Costume
Probably the only book that covers cameos in total depth. History, time line, and hundreds of very fine photographs of all types of cameos from very fine antique examples to modern plastic. Value ranges under each photo. A must-own for the cameo collector. Authors Monica Lynn Clements and Patricia Rosser Clements are Members of Jewelcollect. Hardcover.
Coro Jewelry: A Collector’s Guide–Identification & Values by Marcia Brown
Marcia Brown, author of Unsigned Beauties of Costume Jewelry, has done it again. A long-awaited guide on Coro Jewelry is now available, with values applicable to current markets. Reasonably priced, no collector of Coro should be without it.
Costume Jewelers: The Golden Age of Design [Dubbs Ball]
This book is among the most ambitious for famous name coverage. The author has included a chapter or mention of near 60 designer or manufacturer marks. Glorious color photographs and value guide in back of the book. Helpful hints on names to look for and a chapter on the manufacturers at work. A very worthwhile book to own, and a great gift to any collector. May 2000 ed. Hardcover.
Costume Jewelry: A Practical Handbook & Value Guide [Rezazadeh]
Fred Rezazadeh and his wife collected everything including fashion jewelry for many years. Fred published this book in 1997 because he felt that many other value guides were not accurately reflective of current market prices. His values are more conservative than other value guides. Covers many marks and manufacturers in good, better, best order. Recommended for beginner and intermediate collectors and for dealers, too. Hardcover.
Costume Jewelry Identification and Price Guide: The Confident Collector [Harrice Miller]
A no-nonsense portable guide book to collecting fashion jewelry, with value ranges and designer and marks identifications. 1994 ed. Author Harrice Simons Miller is a Member of Jewelcollect. Paperback.
Diamond Ring Buying Guide
A no nonsense guide on what to look for when buying that important diamond ring. Colors, clarity, cut, and price ranges covered. An important book for first-time buyers. Paperback.
Do It Yourself Guide to Jewelery Identification [Jordan]
From a publ. review, .. do it yourself guide to identify jewelry of all types from 1800 to today. Includes all metals used in jewelry, stones including organics like pearls, coral, tortise shell, jet, Etc. Also How to Locate a Honest Jeweler, What am Appraisal Should Include, How to Store and Care for Your Jewelry. Identification methods recommended for proper evaluation of stones and metals in jewelry are currently used and recognized by The Gemology Institute of America and Jewelers Institute of America.
How to Be a Jewelry Detective
Definitely a great beginner collector or dealer how-to book. Secrets on how to find the best buy and buying them by renowned author Jeanenne Bell, a must if just starting collecting.
Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide [Matlins]
Subtitled How to Buy Diamonds, Pearls, Colored Gemstones, Gold & Jewelry with Confidence and Knowledge. A most comprehensive buying guide for anyone but especially first-time buyers. It’s so good even honest diamond dealers like it as it presents the market in a true light, see the reviews. If you don’t own any other book on how to buy fine gems, start with this one. Paperback.
Miriam Haskell Jewelry (Schiffer Book for Collectors):
Lovingly written by by Cathy Gordon, Sheila Pamfiloff, members of Jewelcollect, this excellent and beautiful book is a must for all collectors, especially those who cannot find enough up-to-date information on the elusive Miriam Haskell. Photos never seen before from private collections, value guide and seldom available tips on how to recognize Haskell jewelry makes it a book not to be missed. Get it before it goes out of print. Hardcover.
One Hundred Years of Collectible Jewelry : 1850-1950 [Baker]
Although this book was published in 1981, and the values given have changed much since, it is worth owning for its excellent identifications and good photographs. Paperback.
The Pearl Book [Matlins]
What to look for when buying cultured and natural pearls explained in easy terms with practical advice for anyone but especially beginners. 2nd ed. Feb. 2000. Paperback.
Popular Jewelry of the 60s, 70s, & 80s [Ettinger]
Sometimes hard to find details on, Ettinger lists jewelry from the latter part of the 20th century. Very worthwhile for identification of many lesser known styles and marks. Paperback.
Sarah Coventry Jewelry: An Unauthorized Guide for Collectors
This newer book on Sarah Coventry recounts this illustrious mark’s early history as one of the first to be sold exclusively at home parties and not in stores, from the 1950s through the 1980s. An emerging collectible mark, the limited production socalled hostess sets are especially prized. Value guide and lots of photographs. The authors are Members of Jewelcollect. Paperback.
Unsigned Beauties of Costume Jewelry: Identification and Values [Marcia Brown]
The author is probably one of the biggest collectors in the world of unsigned jewelry, meaning non-attributed to any designer. Chiefly concentrating on rhinestone jewelry of very high caliber, Marcia Brown has painstakingly put together her enormous and fabulous collection for over 30 years. All color photos by category of jewelry with value guide under each photo. A very worthwhile investment for rhinestone jewelry collectors at a very good price. Author Marcia Brown is a Member of Jewelcollect. Hardcover.
A Collector’s Guide to Costume Jewelry : Key Styles and How to Recognize Them
One of the better handy take-with books for collectors, it is easy to read, and values are not over-inflated. Many styles not seen elsewhere are featured. Easy price, too, published in 1997. Paperback.
Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry, 1840-1950, 5th Ed. [Bell]
From a published review, .. another update of 1996 work. A 100 years of collectible American and English jewelry, in three main sections, When Was It Made and What Is It Worth?, 100 Years of Cameos, and Manufacturing Techniques. six chapters covers a specific period, historical information introduces each withe date, description, and value of each. 1700 photographs, some in color. Prices from an auction houses, collectors, or dealers, with the source listed. Appendix with how to date jewelry, identify metals, authenticate pieces, and identify designer and trademarks. Table of contents is detailed but no index. For serious jewelry collectors and casual hobbyists. .. Paperback.
Art Nouveau and Art Deco Jewelry : An Identification and Value Guide
Lillian Baker’s older value guide is still an excellent identification of many styles not shown in other books. Emphasis on the rarer styles. Intermediate collectors should appreciate this book. Paperback.
Avon Collectible Fashion Jewelry and Awards: Collectible Fashion Jewelry and Awards
Avon products include a long line of fashion jewelry, many early styles are rare and collectible. Look them up here and find out what you have. Published in 1998. Authors Monica Lynn Clements and Patricia Rosser are Members of Jewelcollect. Paperback.
Vintage Jewelry for Investment and Casual Wear
This new book by Karen Edeen promises values on vintage jewelry. Publishing date October 2001. Hardcover.
Warman’s Jewelry : A Fully Illustrated Price Guide to 19th and 20th Century Jewelry, Including Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Costume (2nd Ed)
1998 edition is more comprehensive than the earlier edition. It is organized for looking up specific jewelry starting with Early Victorian through Post-War Modern, with discoveries, inventions catalogued by year. A highly researched book, with sensible value ranges. Recommended for all levels to expert. Author-editor Christie Romero is a Member of Jewelcollect.Paperback.
What’s Your Best Price? [Purnie]
From a published review, .. about the antique business by a jewelry and antique dealer about the games and dealings in the antique business. Illustrated, humorous with revealing tips. Paperback.
Healing with gemstones
part of gemstone healing. You see, color is one of a gem’s most important qualities. In general, the closer the gem is to the rainbow shade of that color, the more valuable and potent it is. Each gemstone has a long list of healing abilities, and some of these powers depend on the gem’s color rays. That’s why a gem’s color is so important. Because every color emits a specific ray – and different beneficial effects. In other words, it is the gemstone’s color that releases its powers. In his book, Gems of the 7 Color Rays, gemstone therapist William Stuber explains that gemstones are especially powerful in magnifying and focusing their energy. Their crystal makeup holds pure, highly concentrated vibrations of specific color rays.Gemstones are not only intense concentrations of color energy, they also constantly attract currents of their specific color. Which simply means that a red stone attracts red rays, a blue stone attracts blue etc. So when you wear a gemstone, you are automatically accessing the powerful energy of that gem’s color.And what does that energy mean to you? Well, take ruby for example. Its hot, red rays treat cold diseases. Cold diseases include ailments like low blood pressure, constipation and anemia. With the rays it emits, the ruby helps by raising body temperature, increasing circulation, metabolic rate and muscle tension.Emeralds, on the other hand, emit cold, green rays that cure hot diseases such as burns, anorexia, stomach ulcers and eczema. How? Again, by doing the opposite. By lowering body temperature, body tension, heart rate, circulation and relaxing muscle tension.When we talk about color and gemstone therapy we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the chakras. Chakras are specific points of energy located throughout the body that correlate to certain nerve and endocrine centers. Seven is the most commonly used number, and each of these seven chakras connects to certain colors and character traits. It is believed that when the chakras are not aligned properly, the body develops all kinds of disorders like physical illness and mental stress. Balance is restored by using gemstones that are the same color as the specific chakra that needs strengthening. Michael Katz has been exploring gemstone healing since 1988. Today he is an author, lecturer and leading authority in this field. He also runs Gemisphere that provides gemstone energy medicine education and tools to people in over 40 countries. In his book, Gemstone Energy Medicine: Healing Body, Mind And Spirit, Katz explains how the western world has changed. “Doctors and patients are experiencing that energy medicine works – often where conventional medicine does not. Chronic debilitating illnesses, common ailments, aches, pains, and everything in between have responded to energy medicine practices…And, he continues, “…One of the most powerful forms of energy medicine is gem therapy.”A more recent and most modern method of gemstone therapy is electronic gem lamp therapy. This form of treatment uses a special lamp together with colored gemstones and colored filters. Amazingly, electronic gem lamps are used to treat medical conditions like chronic physical pain, emotional pain, nervous disorders, skin problems, injuries, infections, allergies, and muscular and skeletal problems. Today they are even being used to treat life-threatening diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s and strokes.While patients may view these treatments as miraculous, they are really based on scientific principles. The electronic gem lamp was invented by Dr. Jon Whale, PhD., who directs Whale Medical Inc. This independent medical research company designs, develops and manufactures electronic medical equipment for medical professionals. His achievements include X-ray image intensifiers, lasers, medical scanners, nerve-pulse stimulus and biofeedback instruments. Dr. Whale’s gem lamp works by pressurizing the gemstones to emit their energies at a fast and intense rate. According to Dr.Whale, 90% of patients report improvement within as little as 20 minutes after treatment begins. In one specific case, a cancer patient found the therapy session more effective than morphine.If you want even more factual proof that this method works, you can observe how patients’ various energy levels are recorded before and after treatments. Electronic gem lamp therapy combines ancient and modern methods as the hi-tech lamp works together with tried and tested gem stones that were valued for their medicinal properties for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Like ruby for heating and energizing, carnelian for cooling and harmonizing, citrine for revitalizing, emerald for cooling, diamond for stimulating and sapphire for tranquilizing. Which is why, for example, blue sapphire will always be used for pain, and a combination of emerald and sapphire will be used for burns. The combination of diamond and carnelian has shown to be beneficial for strokes and Alzheimer’s disease. Electronic gem lamp therapy is especially attractive because you don’t need many or long treatments. This also means the patient doesn’t become dependent on the treatment. In addition the low-voltage, low-heat lamp is completely safe, and the patient doesn’t need to swallow anything so there is no risk of any side effects. And last but not least, patients find the treatments relaxing and pleasurable.
Electronic gem lamps have been used very successfully during the last two decades, and they are expected to develop even more.
More jewellery books
Amazing Gems : An Illustrated Guide to the World’s Most Dazzling Costume Jewelry Translated from Italian, and just released in English in May, 1997, it is one of the best researched books of recent years. Breathtaking color photographs make it a joy a read. Hardcover.
Antique Jewellery : Its Manufacture, Materials, & Design [Duncan] From a published review, … concise and well laid out by catagory , easy to use with superbly informative illustrations. A lot packed in small volume. Paperback.
Antique Jewelry If you love the sweetheart jewelry from World War II, this is probably the most comprehensive work yet in print devoted exclusively to this type jewelry. Paperback.
Art Nouveau Jewelry A comprehensive illustrated guide to the best of Art Nouveau jewelry styles by respected British author Vivienne Becker. Paperback.
Avon Collectible Fashion Jewelry and Awards: Collectible Fashion Jewelry and Awards Avon products include a long line of fashion jewelry, many early styles are rare and collectible. Look them up here and find out what you have. Published in 1998. Authors Monica Lynn Clements and Patricia Rosser are Members of Jewelcollect. Paperback.
Cameos: Classical to Costume Probably the only book that covers cameos in total depth. History, time line, and hundreds of very fine photographs of all types of cameos from very fine antique examples to modern plastic. Value ranges under each photo. A must-own for the cameo collector. Authors Monica Lynn Clements and Patricia Rosser Clements are Members of Jewelcollect. Hardcover.
Fabulous Costume Jewelry : History of Fantasy and Fashion in Jewels [Becker] History of 20th century costume jewelry as viewed by Vivienne Becker, British jewelry historian. Hardcover.
Jewelry and Metalwork in the Arts and Crafts TraditionA reactive movement to the emerging age industrialization, Arts & Crafts got its start in England, France and Germany in the mid-late 19th century. A picture book with hundreds of color plates, this book is mainly about jewelry in England, Australia and Europe, less about the U.S. influences. Glossary, hallmarks, dealers, museums, auction houses, and clubdowns. A very comprensive elegant work, a must for any student of the Arts & Crafts movement. Hardcover.
Jewels and Jewelry [Phillips] Its modest title belies the enormity of this work: 500 years of Western jewelry as represented in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England, covered in incredible depth and still in fast forward, only 160 pages. Scroll down description page to table of contents to get an idea. A fascinating book to study and own for all the right reasons, and an ideal gift book. Hardcover.
The Jewels of Jean Schlumberger Published in May 2001. This is the designer of precious jewels whom the costume jewelers imitated in the 1940s, and whose style is still influential in costume jewelry today. From a published review, … Worn by Greta Garbo, Liz Taylor and Jackie Onassis, Jean Schlumberger’s jewels have been called the 20th century’s most glamorous. Enamel insect hatpins, a sapphire flower in a real terra-cotta flowerpot, a crucifix in diamonds, amethysts and rubies beautifully photographed for The Jewels of Jean Schlumberger, the catalogue for an exhibition at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. The book’s release coincided with a touring exhibition sponsored by Tiffany & Co., where the artist worked from 1956 until his retirement in the late 1970s. Hardcover.
The Jewels of Lalique A very comprehensive work on the famous Art Nouveau jeweler’s works, with color photos and history. Ideal gift book. Hardcover.
Kenneth Jay Lane: Faking It KJL talks about himself, as told to Harrice Simons Miller, and admits to being the best faker of famous jewels, including those of David Webb, Jean Schlumberger, and perhaps particularly proud of having his designs copied in precious gems. Celebrity clients mentioned on every page, Princess Diana, the Duchess of Windsor, Barbara Bush, many others, with images. An entertaining book with glorious color and black and white photos of Kenneth Lane’s jewelry from his early days through the 1980s. Co-author Harrice Simons Miller is a Member of Jewelcollect. Hardcover.
Masterpieces from the House of Faberge The recognized master of extraordinary jewels for over 200 years, Faberge’s production at the House of Faberge in czarist Russia is legendary. With over 350 illustrations, this book is truly a feast for the eyes as well as an important addition to any collector’s library, not to mention a perfect gift to a collector. Hardcover.
The Necklace: From Antiquity to the Present History of the necklace, from 30,000 B.C. to the present day. From shells of the cavemen to gold and diamonds, this documentary work follows the necklace evolution through the ages. Techniques and styles as well as societal evolution are examined. Much intimate and little known details and fun trivia about terms used in describing various necklaces. Some auction clubdowns and appended glossary. Hardcover.
Paulding Farnham : Tiffany’s Lost Genius From a published review, .. Paulding Farnham (1859-1927), one of America’s most talented jewelry designers, rose to fame at th end of the 19th century, winning many awards at the era’s great world’s fairs. This book is the first devoted to Farnham and his too-brief career, spent entirely at Tiffany & Co., where his dazzling, highly original jewels and silverware brought the firm and America worldwide recognition. Hardcover.
Pre-Raphaelite to Arts and Crafts Jewelry [Gere] As the title states, Arts and Crafts jewelry is covered from its beginnings, with all the major contributors and a design time line. For unusual history especially, this work is worth owning if you collect Arts & Crafts jewelry or to present as a gift to a collector. Hardcover.
Sarah Coventry Jewelry: An Unauthorized Guide for Collectors This newer book on Sarah Coventry recounts this illustrious mark’s early history as one of the first to be sold exclusively at home parties and not in stores, from the 1950s through the 1980s. An emerging collectible mark, the limited production socalled hostess sets are especially prized. Value guide and lots of photographs. Authors Monica Lynn Clements and Patricia Rosser are Members of Jewelcollect. Paperback.
Theodor Fahrner Jewelry…Between Avant-Garde and Tradition: Art Nouveau Art Deco the 1950sOne of the most influential artists of the 20th century, his life’s work is detailed in this comprehensive work. Serious researchers of the German influence on Art Nouveau and Art Deco should be pleased. Hardcover.
The history of the tiara is traced through the centuries, its importance and meaning in royalty to its present role as adornment. A fascinating history book for tial collectors especially and a great gift idea, especially if the giftee already owns many other jewelry books. Hardcover.
Tiffany & Co. (Universe of Design) The story from the start of Louis Comfort Tiffany and other famous designers and artists, Jean Schlumberger, Elsa Peretti, and Paloma Picasso, who made the famous Tiffany store in New York what it was and still is. Hardcover.
Understanding Jewelry [Bennett, Mascetti] This book is about precious jewelry. August 2000 reprint edition. From a published review (of an earlier edition), … newly revised, updated edition of a classic work features identification, dating and valuation of jewelry ordinary people can still locate and collect today. Sotheby’s own experts use their evaluation techniques and expertise to provide a clear layman’s volume on the process of jewellery
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Todays opal tip – To days method of mining is very economical specially with to days expensive diesel prices, firstly realise there are no government taxes on diesel for the mining industry. The technology is the underground bogor which was designed to move large amounts of opal clay from the face of the drive where you are working and transport the clay to the hoist, so it then can be transported by the hoist to your truck ready for processing. The bogor is basically a very small truck that is driven by a electric engine and is supply by electricity from a large generate which is situated above ground and electric cables are fitted securer to the shaft wall and of course to the bogor.
Todays opal tip – Different mining methods used underground the traditional method was moving soil from the face you are working by pick and shovel, and then came along a new piece of technology the jackhammer which is still the most economical way to go looking for Opal. It is certainly still quite slow but at the same time you are close to the face of the working area which if you have good lighting you can clearly see any colour that may appear which allows you to stop put the jackhammer down and use a small miners pick which in good hands then will work slowly and never brake the opal. Obviously if you are on opal and you are making money a lot of people will change over to technology like a blower and hydraulic digger which eliminates all the back breaking work of a jackhammer and manually removing the Opal Clay up and out to the surface of the claim above ground to allow the guy’s to operate freely underground and not be restricted by over burden.
Todays opal tip – The environment it is becoming more and more difficult to operate a business in the outback of Australia these days as governments regulations and red tape seem to be everywhere, and of course the main population lives in the cities of Australia and are not getting the correct information about the worst drought in the history of the country and the consequences ,of this there are no subsidies for the agricultural industry and as the majority of the businesses have left the out back the towns are slowly closing down, which makes it more difficult for people to go prospecting for minals like Opal.
Todays opal tip – Getting involved in the black Opal industry at lightning Ridge New South Wales Australia, lightning Ridge is a one-day drive from Sydney or Brisbane it’s easy just jump in your car and drive to the Ridge that all you need is yourself and be there , plenty of mining teams looking for people to work with them also there are many companies that a happy to get involved in partnerships particularly with investors or people who have already purchased trucks or other related mining equipment. It is that easy to start your new adventures and you will never look back specially if you love the out doors fresh air mateship, wide open spaces, wildlife then the black opal mining industry at lightning Ridge is definitely for you and you never know unless you have a go you might even become a multi millionaire.
Todays opal tip – Mechanical maintenance in the black opal industry it is particularly important to have high standards, and the reason why is that you are usually a hour a way from the nearest town if not further so your work day is gone by the time you drive back to town the day is over. Another reason to have regular maintenance checks is to avoid the problem in the first place becourse it can take weeks to have spare parts transported from a major capital city to a outback town, and obviously you do not want to have too much time off from work.
Todays opal tip – Safety above ground as there are many dangerous objects and particularly shafts and open cut mines, if you are walking around fostering for opal particularly after the rain as it helps to reflect the opal visually to the people which are fostering. Please walk slowly turns slowly because if a cover has been let off the top of a opal shaft then it is a extremely long way down if you fall, or so there are lots of old machinery that is laying around rusting which has very sharp and dangerous edges.
Todays opal tip – Signs for black opal visually underground, you are looking for fault lines vertical horizontal or mixed clay colours in the face of yourclaim which we call a blow, another good sign are dog stones which are sandstone chunks or small rocks possibly carrying black nobby, obviously you can still have seem in the floor or where ever it is carrying, the roof is usually your best chance to find Opal so please do not work fast if you are finding colour be patient and do not break your earnings. And last of all steel ban is considered a good sign and if colour forms on the steel ban then you have a very long gemstone indeed .
Todays opal tip – looking for signs of opal obove grounds there is a couple of different theories on this particular subject, in today’s modern world technology plays a big part many opal mining companies perfer to use technology when it comes to exploration for black opal with a drilling rig or truck, bringing the Semple’s from deep under the ground to the surface for quick analysis looking for signs of nobby or colour and even fossils. The other method is the old-fashioned way of designing and making a few divning rods and start divining looking for large fault lines that are not visible above ground with the naked eye, and this is certainly a very cheap way of prospecting compared to the price of diesel and the maintenance of a truck.
Todays opal tip – The technology of diesel blowers which can remove opal clay the fastest of all underground technology. The blower is set up above ground and consist of a six cylinder diesel engine this technology is very diesel hungry, with a underground hydraulic digger you can move large amounts of clay which is sucked up by pipes by the blower and delivered into your truck ready for washing and processing.
Todays opal mining tip – Opal cut mining at lightning Ridge, this method of mining is only used when a Opal lease has been mined out and is too dangerous to work underground safely. Before undertaking this method you must be very sure that the claim was producing high-quality opal and there still is sufficient amount of clay that could possibly be carrying more opal. As open cut mining is the most expenses method of extracting opal I can only insist that you do your homework well or otherwise you can spend a lot of money . You can do a lot of prospecting with that type of finances and work very economically working a conventional shaft Underground method.
To days opal topic as we have talked a lot about prospecting for opal and different methods of mining and the different types of machinery used, then we must talk about how to process the opal clay which could be possibly carrying opal. Ok the clay is either in your truck or it has been dumped ready for processing most miners use a large cement agitater they remove the agitater from a cement mixer truck either a 6 m or 9 m barrel. The barrel along with a six or four cylinder diesel motor must be mounted on a permanent site and you must lease the position on a dam site which is supplied by underground bore water. Attached to the inlet of the bowel you must have a hydraulic vayer belt to lowed the opal clay from the truck into the agitater ready for washing. Obviously you need a small pump at the water’s edge to pump from the dam to the agitater which has been modified having on the opposite sides 2 feet square holes cut out and a fine high grade steel mesh fitted firmly.
To days opal topic as our last subject we talked about processing opal clay, when all the clay has been clearly washed out of the agitater barrel make sure you turn the engine down so it is running very slow as there will only be solids left in the agitater and you do not want to break any opal in the barrel. Put the agitater into reverse and naturally all the material will come up and out and run down the chute to your processing table, make sure you have a good sorting table with access to water and I cannot emphasise tailing out should be done extremely slowly” patient is a virtue” you do not want to miss a gem black multicolour nobby this is where a lot of businesses make a huge mistake , many people noodling often come some days after looking for what you have missed. And please this final job you must do in the middle of the day where there is plenty of light and sun available good luck hope you find gem quality multicolour black opal because you will be very rich, wisely invested you can live off your interest for the rest of your life.
Todays opal tip – Sorting through the opal tailling’s this truly is the most important job. Mostly because it is so easy to miss seeing colour amongst the nobbys when you are sorting through this final stage of mining, it is important to have a half inch waterholes handy by to keep the tailings very clean and wet and you must roatate the nobbys looking for colour the whole time, on a sunny day and if you follow this procedure and have patience then if you are working country which is carrying nobbys then you will certainly see and not miss any opal if you follow my advice. After collecting all the colour and nobbys that you would like to crack open head back to the cutting office. Some people like to have a small tumbler which they will then rewash for a hour or so before pinching and cracking the sides of the nobbys which are not carrying opal colour just to make sure there is not any colour carrying inside the nobbys before discarding this material may be keeping a view very black nobbys for doublets material, and then you are ready to orientate and rub down the opal.
Todays opal tip – {How to study rough black opal } – first step is to Separate the colour from the non colour. All the black potch I would snip with title pinches around the edges of the material just to make sure there is no colour inside. Ok now down to the business orientation there is only one advice lots of practice on inexpensive low-grade opal parcels and of course it always helps if you can purchase a good book on the particular type of opal you wish to learn on. And of course there are also CDs and VCRs tapes available these days, and down the track you will become more comfortable cutting and polishing becomes fluid and of course you can never stop learning about orientating. It is certain that you will be a lot more professional and move into more expensive parcels.
Todays opal tip – {Dimensions of the opal drive} – obviously the thinner the drive is the safer it will be, it does not particularly matter about the height of the roof as long as you can get easy access to the roof as this is usually your best chance of finding Opal under the sandstone between that and that clay level. And of course you will find pockets of nobby opal and even seen in the floor of your opal claim, there are many methods of working safe underground if you need to have wide drives then you can use wood supports and props which are readily found around the opal leases. I would recommend the Australian cypress pine which has great strength and is quite tolerant to water , many people like to leave the bottom section of their drives and dig wider around the roof this method is no different to removing all the clay and having wide drives it will get more dangerous as the clay drys and starts cracking.
Todays opal tip – open cut mining it is always a great start if there is already a few opal leases that have been cut already adjoining your claim. As this allows you to remove all your benches and have them processed, what do I mean by benches the government department that controls the industry has strict guide lines you must follow ,every 6 metres you must leave a two meter squared bench. It also makes it a lot easier if you have somewhere to dump your over burden and a big hole in the ground close by is a great place to refill.
Open cut mining – about open cut mining there are many factors you have to consider in these modern times particularly requirements of government mineral resources department there is a contract you have to fulfil in the black Opal industry around the opal feels of lightning Ridge New South Wales. The good old days are well and truly gone, where you jest when for your life and only hat to consider yourself and your mates. These days you must leave the landscape in the same condition prior to open cutting, over burden must be replaced even if the farmer who owens the western plane grazing lease would appreciate you leaving it open as a dam, and being the driest continent in the world this is not acceptable by the department. Revegetation of the top of the claim is also very important the top soil must be replaced, and a number of native trees must be replanted to its original landscape.
Todays opal tip – Tailing out the Opal at the end of the week now this is not just a job this is a avenger, you never know what you might find besides some colour, fossils like seashells and maybe a dinosaur bone or two. Make sure there is plenty of Sun and clean water available as you do not want to miss any opal colour, as you need to know where in the claim is the best location to keep working and washing the soil clay, as it is very expensive to keep washing dead clay soil that is not carrying colour. Please keep your eyes open because if you find colour this often indicates to open this area up and have a good look before moving on to another area in the claim.
Processing the opal Clay after you have retrieved a large amount of opal Clay and have bought it to the surface, you either stockpile it on your claim and wash it at a later date. or if the clay is being directly dropped into the back of your truck , then off we go to the agitater which is usually a 7 yard or 9 yard cement mixer which has been taken off the truck and placed on a permanent site on a ball which is a deep underground water source which comes to the surface boiling hot and is gathered in a large dam to cool down. Most of these balls you lease a small site from the owener which is often the farmer who has the Western Plains agricultural lease. Some dam sites are also owen by the lightning Ridge mining Association .
Opal washing and processing as you have left your claim and driven the truck to the dam site, reverse it up to the vayer belt which will load it into the agitater. After applying large amounts of water and agitating the opal Clay do not forget to turn it down slow after most of the clay has turned into sludge and run out of the agitater through the mesh that have been cut on either side of the agitater, as you do not want any opal smashed as there will only be solid material left in the barrel like dogs stones and some sandstone from the roof of the claim and also a rock or too.
Opal orientation first you must pinch with a title cutter the outside of the black nobby, just to make sure there is no colour inside before disregarding any material . Orientation is the most important step in the cutting and polishing of opal, the trip to orientation opal rough is practising on a lot of cheap and low grade rough material for many many years and then you can start processing more expensive opal. The rubbing down and shaping is not all that difficult, to polish the opal can be difficult for some people as this is the finished product that buyers will be looking at.
To days topic is open cut mining first apply once you have received approval for a section 22 open cut method of mining. There are many requirements you must fulfil first step remove and keep topsoil, every 6 m you remove opal burden you must leave a 90° step, in this case you really need quite a large area if you want to look at the second level of opal carrying clay. And the most difficult part is for no reason you may leave the claim un-rehabilitated, all the over burden must be replaced and top soil replaced back before trees must be replanted and established.
To days opal topic buying rough rubs and cut stones, most of the buyers come to lightning Ridge some have shops others own homes , and many stay at motels or friend’s homes. If they have a sign out the front stating that they are buying either rough or rubs or maybe both then jest walk in with your recent find and wait your turn to show them . It will be up to you and the schools you have will determine the money that you come out with, obviously a town like lightning Ridge gem usually always sells at a good price it is only the low grade cut stones and commercial stones that take some wheeling and dealing to obtain the best outcome
To days opal topic is buying opal, rough in particular driving out on to the opal feels is always a good way to start, its always best to drive out to the most recent rush and of course the business is done in hard currency cash, I have seen new buyers put large signs on their cars which will in turn attract miners with rough, it is usually a casual business transaction a miner will jest say to buyers are you interested in opal rough, and the answer back usually is not at the moment or you will often hear from experience middlemen the reply, maybe I will have a look if you do not mind. Obviously then it is up to you if you have a lot of schools in purchasing rough opal then take your time and have a good look. The miner in most cases will have a price he is asking and well the rest is between you and him to talk business.
Buying Opal especially rough parcels out on the Opal feels, please do not insult the primary producer as he works very hard and will go for a long time between finding his last parcel and his recent parcel. And he might get very angry if you knock his opal, and as you are a long way from any law enforcement officer you could be very uncomfortable driving back to the hospital to have some treatment. A very good softener up is to have a dozen cold beers in a mini fridge in the car, this often relaxes the miner and puts you in a better light.
Buying rough opal this is the most difficult to master , the best buyers are usually opal cutters who had spent many years cutting and orientating parcels of opal. You must realise that black opal, is very different from crystal opal, and Queensland bolder opal again is different to cut you need different types of cutting machinery. And there are many different bolder opal fields around the State of Queensland and they are all a bit different. Please remember the more parcels of rough opal you get to see before cutting and polishing, and of course the finished product will let you know how successful your judgment is and if you are improving or not.
Buying opal rubs, tools of the trade a very good set of magnified glasses and experience on the subject along with your hard currencies preferably Australian dollars. Experience counts here a good hard look make sure when the rub is cut and polished ,rule you lose much size, some very fine scratches made not come out of the face of the opal therefore you will have two cut to stones, in stead of one and if the opals are quite small then they are down valued particularly under one carat.
Buying cut and polished opal’s this is not a easy perfession unlike sapphires ,rubies and diamonds. These particular gemstones if they are all facet a particular way and are all the same dimensions and clarity then it is not so difficult to price. Unlike opal you very rarely have a matching pair for examples to opal’s shaped the same either symmetrical or free-form. And it is nearly impossible to find to opal’s with the same pattern and colour play and of course matching weights. This is why opal buyers are very rare it is truly a specialist profession, they also need to keep up with the International price and also of the domestic feel price.
The famous 3 mile Opal feel of lightning Ridge was the richest area and the highest quality of all the black opal mining areas, great news the large open cut in the middle of the 3 mile is being fenced by the Department which controls all of the leases in the lightning Ridge and surrounding districts. They’re all so will be built a $8 million fossil museum underground about 100 m from the famous open cut mines where the European settlers first discovered the most beautiful and rare pattern black opal, the Harlequin pattern as this is a spectacular tourist attraction and you can clearly see the profile of the different clay and sandstone types, and also all the old shafts, the department has excepted the proposal of a government heritage site because of its rare and unique history.
Todays opal topic detecting opal traces underground, the opal prospector is looking for signs of poch rich is a selector mineral that opal often forms on, there are many colours from jet black, black light black, grey and white. The nobby producing opal country can carry poch in three usual locations the roof of the claim victory in the clay face and sandstone roof is your best chance, you also have another chance around the middle of the face you are working, and sometimes seen poch running in seams along the floor of the mineral lease. Other signs dog stones which are hard small lumps of sandstone in the clay face which can have nobby and poch inside and mixed around the dog stones.
There are many signs you can follow if you are a opal lover steel ban running through the face, layers of different colour clay bands of colour being made up of colours such as dark orange, light brown’s dark browns and yellow and white. You are also looking for fault lines large slides and faults running through the profile of the face, please remember when these claims dry out after time you can have pieces becoming dangerous. And why we are on the subject of safety, greasy back slides are dangerous sometimes and they do not need to dry out, the answer to keeping it safe, do not open the drive up to wide that you are working along and this will keep the claim in tacked and strong.
Other signs of opal underground and tools of the trade for prospecting, a lightweight pick and it is always best to have a prospecting generator left a few metres away from the entrance to the shaft so that your air does not get contaminated by the generator and you will have power underground, just run a few electric leads down the shaft because good strong powerful lighting is the secret to visually detecting signs and traces of opal. And remember a good ear when you are gouging is very handy indeed, as the opal may be millimetres or inches inside the clay and the only way to detect this is with a good ear as opal is silica, and sounds like scratching on glass when you scrape it with the peak, sell listen and take it easy when you hear this noise as you do not want to hit it too hard after you have detected this glassy sound you must work slow than to avoid breaking or chipping the uncut opal nobby.
Prospecting underground today’s modern technology is not the answer forget about computers, metal detectors such as a electric gold detector, as opal is silica and is not a metal this is why the metal and gold detector is out of the question. Patience is a virtue slow and cautiously wander about, other signs are blows, what is a blows in the profile of the clay you will see a extreme mixture of colours splattered with pieces of sandstone and maybe nobby and opal material, these blows travel all the way to the surface usually another way to describe it as you are looking at the face of the claim where you are working stand back and visualise a large painting hanging on the wall and in the middle is a trolling whirlpool, mixtures of colours and solid material is being trolled around. This is what a blow looks like underground and is a very good chance particularly in my case small blows usually carry the opal.
Todays opal topic is on the subject of prospecting for black opal by the use of modern technology. The drilling rig the best vehicle for this work is a dual axle action track at the back of the vehicle, with a differential on the front stealing wheels also. This means you have a four-wheel-drive truck with a 8 inch drill bit reach will allow you to do or to the death of about 80 feet, you must be able to store plenty of water so you can process the clay from the opal levels as you will then be left with only solids in your small tumbler, you can then inspect the tailings four any signs of potch or colour and please make sure this is done in fall sunlight and a little bit of extra water being sprayed on the tailings for final expections to make sure you do not miss a chance at finding what you are looking for as I know personally of people which have missed seeing opal during droughts, as they could not get access to water and along came a specker after rain had fallen and viewing the previous drillers work found red on black after two years work of this claim he and his partner was worth $5 million Australian each.
To days Opal topic is the mining method of open cut mining, this method you will never miss a patch of Opal. The main reason to open cut a mining lease at lightning Ridge is only because it has been heavily work conventionally by men underground. If the claim was also quite a valuable claim and it is getting too dangerous and difficult to send men underground any more. Then the perfect method is opened cutting, as long as you owen the lease and when you apply for a section 22 at the mining registry office you will have to fulfil all the requirements, firstly you must apply at the local Court for approval.
Opal washing after all the clay has been thoroughly washed out of the barrel put the barrel into reverse which will bring all the solids to the top, and it will slowly run down the ramp for inspection by the mining team. Remember lots of water and you must have sunshine, collect all the nobby and opal material ready to take back to the cutting room, many guys like to retumble for a hour or two very slowly in a mini tumbler. This will make it extremely easy to identify the opal as every think will be extremely clean after this double processing of the nobby and opal material, you are ready now to orientate the opal first disregard all unwanted material now you are ready for rubbing down the rough material.
To days Opal theory – low cost mining specking around the Opal feels, which is the term used for people that prospect by going through other people’s waste material. And some people do make a living out of this type of Opal production, it is always better to work on a clear sunny day looking for potch that might be carrying colour. And there is no better way to find Opal by this method then to go out after heavy rain as the clay and dust has been washed off any Opal material and the colour is so much easier to see with the naked eye.
To days Opal theory – gouging which is the term use for people that prospect claims that are no longer leased by any mining company. And as the claim has already been open up by mechanised machinery, it is now possible for people with a small gouging pick to lower some hanging lattice , this is a very inexpensive and cheap way to look for colour by chipping away underground looking for Opal trace that the previous miners might had missed. And of course if you find Opal you will naturally head up to the government mining Department and re-lease the claim into your name.
To days Opal tip – Terms used in the black Opal industry around the town of lightning Ridge New South Wales Australia. { Opal trace } this is the term used in the industry among the professionals, and it means fossil material-nobbys any colour potch – and of course Opal colour. Dog Stone’s this is the term again used by miners which relates to sandstone of different shapes usually about the size of a man’s hand. These dog stones can carry nobbys which can be carrying colour.
To days Opal theory – sorting through the Opal tailings ? What do we mean by tailings, tailings are the solid materials that are left at the end of the week in your tumbler or processing plant. Your processing plant usually is a 7 or 9 yard cement mixer and if you can process two 8 yards trucks a day then at the end of the week you will have a large amount of solid material left in the agitator barrel. The Opal Clay is a fine clean potting Clay which will turn to silt and run-off through the mesh plates in the side of the barrel of your agitator everytime it rotates, and naturally you have a water flow running constantly in the drum.
Today’s Opal theory – is a continuation from yesterdays Opal theory. Processing the tailings I cannot emphasise how important this stage in the Opal business is. All the hard work is done and if there is Opal in the tailings then do not miss any colour, the secret is to slowdown work in full sunlight and have plenty of water as the Opal is rolling down the chute onto the expection table, slowly rotate the Opal nobbys and make sure they are washed clean of clay for good viewing. All good-looking nobbys should be taken home for further viewing and to pinch the corners with a hand-held title cutter to view the inner part of the nobby just in case there was Opal forming inside the nobby.
Today’s opal tip – a continuation from yesterday’s theme. We’ve talked about different
Types of Opal and their location in Australia . Today we will talk about the different types of Opal and their qualities, first of all we must talk about the rarest , the most famous, and the most gorgeous of all Opal the { Black Opal } what can you say stunning, mind blowing, out of this world like a comet in out of space it is a one of the kind. Queensland boulder opal usually loll grade compared to black Opal and crystal Opal, there are still some gem quality pieces among the huge amount of commercial grade Queensland boulder opal which is on the market, South Australia Coober Pedy Opal the largest suppliers of Opal in the world mainly white Opal and crystal Opal.
Today’s opal tip – Queensland boulder opal fields this is mostly open cut mining I would advise the use of excavators and a 20 tonne minimum machine. The bulldozers were originally used for this particular type of Opal mining, unlike modern times the 20 tonne excavator is much more economical and is a must more useful machine as it can also lolled the material into a truck unlike a bulldozer you will need a second machine to do this particular type of work. Bulldozers are more expensive as you are pushing a huge weight of soil and also moving a huge machine at the same time and fuel is getting more expensive. Unlike excavators they are working from a stationary position and are only moving the upper part of the machine you will clearly notice the fuel bills are down.
Today’s Opal tip – the locations to find different types of Opal in Australia, Lightning Ridge is the place to look for the rarest of all Opal, the famous Australian Black Opal the gem quality is absolutely dazzling and is the most gorgeous of all the Australian opals. Coober Pedy is the home of white Opal and are the largest suppliers in the world, and some of the crystal is of gem quality which is great value for gemstone lovers all around the world. Queensland Boulder Opal Fields are scattered around the country Yowah is famous for its Yowah nut opals for around the world. Winton is known for its Queensland boulder opal boulder opal is also found at Quilpie and a few other locations in Queensland. Opalton also has boulder opal, Andamooka has good quality opal to .
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