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[Glenn]

So I recently cut some local potch in half.. Its crazed a lot, however in 2 areas I see flashes that look like precious opal.  I still need to look closer at them but just noticed today. I know that its not valued much as an opal... but if it is precious it is probably the first and thus far only precious opal found in Alaska.


I'm probably going to stabilize it using lots superglue as ether way it is the nicest piece i have found color and size wise.

[hummingbirdstones]

If it's an internal fracture, you'll most likely see a rainbow effect because of the conchoidal fracture habit of opal.  Can you post a picture?

[vitzitziltecpatl]

Congrats on the find!

To see internal cracks or inclusions hold a small bright light tight to the back of the rough. Wetting it can help, and it will help if you look at it in a dimly lit room. If it's a small piece hold it in a circle made with your thumb and index finger so you don't blind yourself. Voice of experience on that last bit... .

If you're going to stablize something that rare, go ahead and splurge on some Hextal (or other non-yellowing epoxy) that won't deteriorate if exposed to water.

Keep us posted on what you find!!!

[Glenn]

If it's an internal fracture, you'll most likely see a rainbow effect because of the conchoidal fracture habit of opal.  Can you post a picture?

i'll see what i can do tonight or tomarrow

[Glenn]

stabalized it with some thin glue.. mist have been cracks as it looks to have filled in the space in between thus making it not shine as much any more.  I'll get a pic soon.

[vitzitziltecpatl]

Yep. Sounds like you've found the source of the color.

[ASO]

I like to use a laser shining it parallel to the stones surfaces and if a crack is present it will show up as a bright highlighted line on the surface or inside the stone.  Use the 330 epoxy you can put the opal in a silicon mold and fill it with the epoxy, try not to have any bubbles in it.  you will have your stone preserved in a clear cab so you can look at it form all angles.  No cutting needed.