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 Post subject: Opal assistance request
PostPosted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 10:55 am 
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Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2013 11:35 pm
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Greetings all!
I'm hoping someone might be able to assist a neophyte with some information regarding what I believe is a rather substantial Black Opal.
I've recently inherited this stone and am wondering if anyone can give any feedback regarding the size and quality of the stone?
I am also wondering how I should go about having the stone evaluated and appraised, I'm in the southern California area.
Might anyone have any recommendations?
Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
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 Post subject: Re: Opal assistance request
PostPosted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 12:29 pm 
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Joined: Fri Feb 24, 2006 1:20 am
Posts: 2756
Location: Southern California, U.S.A.
I don't like to bear unhappy news, especially when judging from an image, but the obvious porous surface texture and overall appearance cause me to think your stone is a very nice example of treated opal matrix from Andamooka, not a true black opal. I've personally cut and treated a fair amount of the material so I know very well what it looks like. The matrix stones have a value but it's not in the same ballpark as blacks from Lighting Ridge.

Since you're in Southern California I'd recommend you contact someone at the American Opal Society to locate a professional who can definitely identify and value your stone. I suggest you write a brief inquiry to the webmaster who can probably help you. http://opalsociety.org/

Stan McCall, one of the Society's board members who operates an opal business, might also be helpful: http://home.earthlink.net/~custom-creative/

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Rick Martin

www.artcutgems.com


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