Opal CANNONBALL!

In this video, a naturally rounded specimen of Andamooka, South Australian matrix opal was made smooth by grinding, tumbling (in a lapidary rock tumbler), hand grinding and polishing. The polished opal was then treated by placing it in a solution of sugar and heated to 175 degrees F (80 degrees C) for about 24 hours. The sugar-treated stone was then placed in hot, concentrated sulfuric acid for 6 hours. The treated stones turn black, allowing the previously hidden colors to be seen better.

Next, portions of the stone were sliced with a lapidary trim saw and made into cabochons. The polished cabochons were then treated with sugar and sulfuric acid. Some of the stones will be used in jewelry by making gold settings for them.

Matrix Opal Supplied by
Riley Gunn of nnOpals:
https://www.opalauctions.com/stores/53frogs

Table of Contents:
00:00 Showing the Opal Cannonball
00:17 Grinding
00:40 Tumbling
01:34 Hand Smoothing
01:56 Polishing Finished
02:08 Treatment of Matrix
03:25 Polished, Treated Cannonball Matrix
04:04 Cutting Part of Cannonball off
05:21 Cutting and Polishing Best Cabochon
05:52 Showing All Cabochons
10:16 Outtakes
12:36 Sheila
13:21 Giveaway Rules

Видео Opal CANNONBALL! канала Pulitzer Opal