cutting an opal

[micro]

I have this raw opal and am wondering if it is worth cutting into either earrings or necklace. I know opals are hard to work with. I do not know exactly what I have and would like any info. In the picture with the quarter, the opal is clear end and the quarter is seen. Thank you!

 

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[Mayor]

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/t...-lost-treasures-mariposa-ca-photos-added.html
Check with EagleDown he works with them. His link is above here on TN. Good luck. Mayor

 

[Eu_citzen]

No man can make an estimation from a few pictures. But, how big is it? Could be mexican.

 

[micro]

No man can make an estimation from a few pictures. But, how big is it? Could be mexican.

I can only measure an approximate 7/8 of an inch width and thigh.

 

[DDancer]

There is a lot of information about cutting opal on line and you could possibly have it appraised by someone form a local lapidary club as to whether cutting is an option. Cutting opal is a little more specialized than most stones because it is soft and requires a fair bit of attention to get the best cut for the colors. Judging by the size your saying it is you maybe able to get a solid stone or two out of it and maybe some doublets or triplets from the stone that are good quality. The colors seem nice and hopefully go all thru the stone.

 

[Eu_citzen]

I'd go for one stone with some matrix left, but that's just my opinion from the pictures. Opal often is cut "on the fly", not planned. Just follow the colour!
As long as no cracks are in there, it should be good to cut.