Mexican Opals

[TheOculus]

This first specimen is a water-clear, precious Mexican opal. I plan on having this one faceted in a free-form design.



I find this second specimen interesting. Perhaps someone here is more familiar with inclusions in opal. From what info I can gather, I believe these "needles" are Goethite needles, encrusted in a limonite-based coating.

 

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[Eu_citzen]

What's the weight?

Here's some reading on inclusions:
https://www.gia.edu/doc/Opal-from-Queretaro-Mexico-Occurrence-and-Inclusions,0

 

[stdenis_jd]

WOW @the first one...man that's gonna be a beauty faceted

 

[IAMZIM]

Very cool!

 

[TheOculus]

What's the weight?

Here's some reading on inclusions:
https://www.gia.edu/doc/Opal-from-Queretaro-Mexico-Occurrence-and-Inclusions,0

The top is about 6 cts.

 

[Kray Gelder]

That first one is drop dead gorgeous! I would recommend a free form cabochon with the matrix. I will help hold the stone together, and make mounting safer. Opal is SO fragile!

 

[Eu_citzen]

That first one is drop dead gorgeous! I would recommend a free form cabochon with the matrix. I will help hold the stone together, and make mounting safer. Opal is SO fragile!

Looking at the lightning, it may be a contra-luz opal. I'd say faceting is perfect if so!

 

[TheOculus]

I believe it is a Contra Luz. The color play disperses at multiple angles unlike most of my other Mexican opals. Even if it only produces approx. a one carat faceted stone, I'd enjoy it! Great yard sale score for one dollar!

 

[Eu_citzen]

I believe it is a Contra Luz. The color play disperses at multiple angles unlike most of my other Mexican opals. Even if it only produces approx. a one carat faceted stone, I'd enjoy it! Great yard sale score for one dollar!

Contra-luz often shows POC when the light comes in from the back of the stone, which is a good indicator.
It doesn't seem to reflect the light like the common opals.

 

[stdenis_jd]

I believe it is a Contra Luz. The color play disperses at multiple angles unlike most of my other Mexican opals. Even if it only produces approx. a one carat faceted stone, I'd enjoy it! Great yard sale score for one dollar!

WAAAAATTT?!?!

Lucky B@$t@rd

 

[Molewacker]

Opals are awesome!

Wanna double your money? I'll even pay postage

Nice score!

 

[IAMZIM]

I've only got one opal, BUT, this spring 2018 I plan to hit the Spencer opal mine as it is only a 2 hour drive from where I am. (Incidentally, the only opal I own, is from there haha!)