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Pulitzer Opal
United States
Приєднався 6 бер 2014
Opal is in the house! This is channel about opal and the science of opal, and WE HAVE FUN IN EVERY VIDEO!
This channel covers ALL types of opal on the Earth, including Australian opal, Ethiopian opal, Mexican Opal, Brazilian opal, opal from the United States and Canada and opal from many other places around the world.
On this channel, you will learn :
- The Different Types of Opal
- How to Cut and Polish Opal
- How to Value Opal
- Where to Buy and NOT Buy Opal
- How to Make Opal Arrowheads!
And don't be surprised to see things from nature other than opal - wild animals and LOTS OF TAME ANIMALS (mostly CATS and KITTENS!) - all here at PULITZER OPAL!
This channel covers ALL types of opal on the Earth, including Australian opal, Ethiopian opal, Mexican Opal, Brazilian opal, opal from the United States and Canada and opal from many other places around the world.
On this channel, you will learn :
- The Different Types of Opal
- How to Cut and Polish Opal
- How to Value Opal
- Where to Buy and NOT Buy Opal
- How to Make Opal Arrowheads!
And don't be surprised to see things from nature other than opal - wild animals and LOTS OF TAME ANIMALS (mostly CATS and KITTENS!) - all here at PULITZER OPAL!
The Rarest of all Opals??? BOULDER Opal from Brazil
In this video from Pulitzer Opal, Sheila introduces two new types of opal, with contributions from Riley Gun of 53Frogs and Zhivago Castro Romalho of Opalas do Brasil. Sheila starts by discussing chunks of Coober Pedy opal from Australia, noting their unique patterns and moderate cost. An arrowhead is made from her opal by her assistant!
She then examines a 390-carat boulder opal from Brazil, pointing out its dark gray base rock and signs of rust. It is considered likely that the base rock for Brazilian Boulder opal is Iron Ore, likely Magnatite and/or Hematite, because of the gray-black color. Sheila decides to cut the boulder opal into a cabochon, highlighting the challenges and steps involved in the process.
Next, Sheila tackles the interesting topic of Mexican "Leopard Opal," detailing its formation in vesicular basalt and its historical use by the Aztecs and Mayans. The video concludes with Sheila showcasing and naming various opal pieces, discussing their characteristics and potential new owners (this sounds like a giveaway to me).
Throughout the video, Sheila blends humor and gemological details, making the topic engaging and informative. -- ChatGPT
Please Check out our friends on Opal Auctions:
Riley Gunn - 53Frogs -- www.opalauctions.com/stores/53frogs
Opalasdobrazil - www.opalauctions.com/stores/opalasdobrazil
She then examines a 390-carat boulder opal from Brazil, pointing out its dark gray base rock and signs of rust. It is considered likely that the base rock for Brazilian Boulder opal is Iron Ore, likely Magnatite and/or Hematite, because of the gray-black color. Sheila decides to cut the boulder opal into a cabochon, highlighting the challenges and steps involved in the process.
Next, Sheila tackles the interesting topic of Mexican "Leopard Opal," detailing its formation in vesicular basalt and its historical use by the Aztecs and Mayans. The video concludes with Sheila showcasing and naming various opal pieces, discussing their characteristics and potential new owners (this sounds like a giveaway to me).
Throughout the video, Sheila blends humor and gemological details, making the topic engaging and informative. -- ChatGPT
Please Check out our friends on Opal Auctions:
Riley Gunn - 53Frogs -- www.opalauctions.com/stores/53frogs
Opalasdobrazil - www.opalauctions.com/stores/opalasdobrazil
Переглядів: 7 458
Відео
Matrix Opal - How Black Does it Need To Be to be Beautiful ?
Переглядів 39 тис.21 день тому
A 78 carat black opal nobby is cut and a secret is revealed about its origin! A large Andamooka matrix stone is also cut and beautiful slices are produced. Big giveaways are present. Thanks to Riley Gunn at 53frogs shop on Opal Auctions! www.opalauctions.com/stores/53frogs Andamooka matrix opal supplied by: Taner Tarziolglu www.intergalacticaustralianopal.com (email: info@intergalacticaustralia...
Big Opal Flash From the Past.
Переглядів 49 тис.Місяць тому
We make 6 cabochons out of three different stones and also make a arrowhead out of precious opal. The event is planned for the Pulitzer Opal 100K Subscriber, formal dinner and celebration. At least 5 opals will be given away to those who make comments about how to improve the 100K event.
Why Australia’s Most Beautiful Opal is its Rarest
Переглядів 81 тис.2 місяці тому
The most important aspect of this video is how Australian opal REALLY forms. The old theories are incorrect! The digit pattern in precious opal, particularly notable in Australian opal, is a rare and striking phenomenon characterized by finger-like structures within the gemstone. These structures, resembling fingers or digits, were first documented in a 2013 article in Gems and Gemology by Fren...
The Best Australian Opal You've Never Even Heard Of
Переглядів 36 тис.3 місяці тому
In the 1890s, miners in Queensland were primarily focused on mining Pipe Opal and Seam Opal, overlooking Boulder Opal despite knowing how to reveal its color. Pipe Opal, believed by many to be opalized tree roots (root casts), was considered more accessible and lucrative. Unlike other opals, Pipe Opal occasionally displays a distinctive pink play of color, making it unique in the world of opals...
Opal CAGE MATCH - One Winner!
Переглядів 13 тис.3 місяці тому
In this video, gemstones are made by cutting (grinding and polishing) rough matrix opal and rough crystal opal. The two are compared.
Whatever Happened to The Wikipedia OPAL ?
Переглядів 29 тис.5 місяців тому
The Wikipedia page has an image of a great piece of opal from Coober Pedy, South Australia. I bought the opal from a miner about 10 years ago but after grinding it a little, I decided to put it aside for when I was better a making cabochons out of opal. Today, I found the opal along with another that I saved back then and I proceeded to cut and polish them The cabochons produced are sensational...
7 Carat Black Opal Gets a Facelift
Переглядів 80 тис.6 місяців тому
In this video, I take a 79 ct chunk of Lightning Ridge seam opal and make a large cabochon out of it. I also take a worn out 7 carat black opal from a ring and give it some life! One of the biggest problems that can occur in opal is shown: Ginger Whisker Optical Dopping Kits here www.opalauctions.com/stores/53frogs/lapidary/lapidary-dop-sticks/uv
What You DON'T Know About Wood Opal (Opalized Wood)
Переглядів 96 тис.7 місяців тому
In this chapter, I go through the top five types of opalized wood, also known as wood opal. Wood becomes opalized when it occurs in places where opal normally forms. The most common types are Australian wood opal, Ethiopian wood opal, Mexican wood opal, Indonesian wood opal and Wood opal from the US Virgin Valley Nevada.
Barbie Gets an Australian Opal !
Переглядів 25 тис.9 місяців тому
In this video, join me as I expertly transform a 147-carat piece of rough opal from Mintabie, South Australia into two breathtaking opal gems. The Mintabie rough opal proved challenging due to its wavy color bars and interspersed Jelly opal bars. But that's not all! I'm thrilled to introduce a brand new gem to you all - the Pink striped "Barbie Opal" from Western Australia. Watch closely as I c...
STABILIZE Ethiopian Opal So It it WILL NEVER CRACK!! Secret Formula Revealed “Step-By-Step!”
Переглядів 13 тис.11 місяців тому
STABILIZE Ethiopian Opal So It it WILL NEVER CRACK!! Secret Formula Revealed “Step-By-Step!”
1800 carat Matrix Opal - Bigger is Better!
Переглядів 11 тис.Рік тому
1800 carat Matrix Opal - Bigger is Better!
Bubble Opal ..You Will NEVER Guess What's Inside!
Переглядів 32 тис.Рік тому
Bubble Opal ..You Will NEVER Guess What's Inside!
Stunning Bracelet Using Discarded Opal Chips!
Переглядів 21 тис.Рік тому
Stunning Bracelet Using Discarded Opal Chips!
Australian Black Opal is REALLY WORTH IT !!
Переглядів 26 тис.Рік тому
Australian Black Opal is REALLY WORTH IT !!
Australian Black Matrix Opal - The Truth Revealed
Переглядів 11 тис.2 роки тому
Australian Black Matrix Opal - The Truth Revealed
This is Why Fire Opal is So Expensive!
Переглядів 234 тис.2 роки тому
This is Why Fire Opal is So Expensive!
Stop Your Opals From Cracking! Here’s How
Переглядів 25 тис.2 роки тому
Stop Your Opals From Cracking! Here’s How
Give this Painted Lady Opal Some Love! Birthstone?
Переглядів 20 тис.2 роки тому
Give this Painted Lady Opal Some Love! Birthstone?
BATTLE! Black Opal vs. White Opal [Head-to-Head]
Переглядів 42 тис.2 роки тому
BATTLE! Black Opal vs. White Opal [Head-to-Head]
How Did I Get this Opal for Free? Is It Too Nice To Give Away?
Переглядів 47 тис.2 роки тому
How Did I Get this Opal for Free? Is It Too Nice To Give Away?
Thanks for your chanel i really enjoy it
👍👍👍
So pretty, can't believe I didn't see this video when it aired, and so lucky to find it now ❤️
New to learning about opals. You have taught me much, Opal-wan Kenobby. I do have a question. How can you tell what sex an opal is?
Now that is a question for the Q&A! Answer: Pull down its underwear
Congratulations on becoming a grandad I’m also going to be a grandad in a months time I haven’t thought about what I want to be called now that’s given me something important to think about 🤦🏻♂️
Well, Dave - choosing your own grandfather name is VERY common. I suggest “Doc!”
@@PulitzerOpal thank you I will speak to my daughter about it 😊
Chert and Chalcedony were frequently heat treated prior to being retouched into projectile points. Have you tried heat treating opal under similar conditions, and if so, does it improve the fracture characteristics of opal in a similar way to that of other heat altered cryptocrystalline silicates?
I have heat-treated thousands of pounds of chert (and other chalcedonies - agates, jaspers). I have a programmable kiln, but I have not done that, because opal is beyond cryptocrystalline - it’s a mineraloid, like obsidian, which is volcanic glass. Heat treating is done primarily to make the rock easier to flake, but nothing flakes better than glass. So heat treating it is not necessary. Great Question, though!
Brazil boulder looks interesting, one I might add to my list of must haves. Leopard opal is a new one I also haven’t heard of. Love the education as always. Thanks papa Doc 😂
Both are interesting for sure, Nicole. I felt that leopard opal - there wasn’t enough to say about it for a whole video. I’m glad you enjoyed it
Thank you for all your information. Nice to see something other than the most expensive opals . I was laughing most the time? Leopard opal was a nice change. Is the leopard opal same type as black pinpoint?
Glad that you enjoyed the video, Denise. Leopard opal is completely different, although it looks like it could be that. Now a great many people who watch opal videos pretty much are here for eye candy. Of course when I do videos with more color, more people watch. I’m okay with that.
Very entertaining. Do you mean to not mix the 2 part epoxy when filling stone? I'm not clear on this process or how to do it. Could you please let me know? Thanks 😀 ❤
Once the water is removed (by several passes through 100% acetone), you put the stones into Hxtal resin (without the hardener). This allows the resin to fill all of the microscopic holes, so that when you add the hardener, the entire thickness of the stone is ready to be hardened. The most important things are to leave the stones in the hardener for as long as possible (depending on the thickness of the stones). For me, I go with four days(minimum of two days). Then, once the resin is in the stones, I pour out all of the excess resin and pourin the hardener… Enough to cover the stones with a thick layer. It is important that this be done at the lowest temperature possible. Once the hardener penetrates the entire stone, you can raise the temperature and hardening will occur faster. If you initially put the hardener on and the temperature is above 75° it will harden as it enters (at the outside of the stone) and prevent additional harder from getting into the center part of the stone. I recommend that the hardener be used at the lowest possible temperature within reason. Less than 70° should be reasonable but at that temperature it will probably take a month to cure. It’s a long tough process, but it works. You can try it with other types of epoxy. I don’t know if it will work or not. The important thing about Hxtal is that it is a very slow curing epoxy. (also, it dries perfectly clear and stays that way; other epoxies may yellow, or not be as clear). Hxtal is expensive. If you use a very slow curing epoxy other than Hxtal, please let me know how it came out and what the name of the epoxy is. Good luck.
'Sharl is a thin, opinionated piece of opal, who thinks she's not opinionated.' Genuinely my favourite joke of yours. That describes so many people in my life.
So papa doc what's the best opal in the us?and or also the best one for opal rookies?
The best one for rookies is obsidian, which cuts like opal and is cheap. (You can buy Australian white opal with very little color relatively cheaply online.). The best opal in the US is either Virgin Valley, Nevada opal or opal from the Spencer Idaho area. I have little experience with the Spencer, ID opal. Virgin Valley has some great opal. Watch my video on Wood Opal and you’ll see it.
Loved the story of leopard opal thank you for sharing! My question for you is: Do you have a story of an opal you once had, but regret selling / getting rid of? We all have one I am sure!
Yes I do have one story. I bought a Brazilian opal free-form cabochon- it was expensive. I had it set in a 14kt gold bezel mount. My wife didn’t like it (shape). This happened during the period of time I was “earning my keep,” by selling opal pendants on eBay” - I didn’t need the money but … wife wanted me to do it. So, I sold it on eBay for less than 1/5th what I bought it for. I’m not upset about the money - only the nice pendant that is gone. So I then stopped selling and started making UA-cam videos. I have not sold ANY opal since.
Can you please do another video with that giant hunk of matrix opal?
Which one, Sam? I have done at least 3 videos with giant hunks of matrix opal. ua-cam.com/video/8CQRXn0AzXk/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/18o8zkGq1SY/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/u7SFtmAeaqI/v-deo.html
Have you ever stabilized Honduran Opal? If so how?
Papa "puli" Doc, girls want his trove, boys want to be him. I love that leopard cab, looks a lot like yowah opal but with a really solid pattern.
I’m so lucky Opal is my birthstone! I especially adore carved opal. What would you carve an opal into? Or carve into an opal?
Dang that was some beautiful Boulder Opal!!! How did you learn to make arrowheads? I think it is awesome that Opal is able to be turned into arrowheads. Are there any other precious stones you wish you could chip into arrowheads?
AUstralian Opal is Beautiful ❤️
Why does the pyrite sun have radial symmetry? Did it interact with something living? In the deep biosphere organisms are deriving energy from nonliving (rock) sources. June 24, 2024 New York Times "The Mysterious Deep Dwelling Microbes that Sculpt our Planet".
There is no space between those heavy layers of shale in coal, so as molecules of pyrite try to form crystals, the only place that they can hook up to other molecules is at the edge of the existing thin disc of pyrite. I doubt that formation has anything to do with microbes - but those little buggers are everywhere!
Out of curiosity, what do you do with all the little chips of opal that are left from making the opal arrowheads? I just keep thinking how good they would look filling up a little succulent terrarium with them or something! They're so pretty! I might have an obsession with sparkly things. lol
I forgot to show them! They are in the giveaway
@@PulitzerOpal ooooo! Put me down for that giveaway! <3
Another fantastic video as always! Brazilian opal is quite familiar here at An Atom of Earth! I have a 35-carat Brazilian opal set in an octopus design, complete with black opal eyes. P.S. If I don't win, I'll settle for some chips I kindly requested years ago. 😉
I had a friend with the most beautiful opals. She told me she kept them in olive oil when not wearing them. What do you think about her storage suggestion???
Hi Touchy! 🤗
Love it when you make the arrowheads. Forgive me my amateurs' opinion, but I've always found cabochons a little boring; how about an opal-stone dagger?
I don’t know why your videos don’t show up on my feed but always glad when they do. Was wondering if you could cut a trillion or triangle cut opal? Thanks for the videos!!!
Fun video! I'm wondering, does common opal have a similar water content and proclivity for cracking as precious opal?
Here’s a question for you. Is the leopard opal to difficult to knap into an arrowhead?👍🇺🇸
How do you store opals in water? Do you have to use distilled or is tap water fine? How do you dry them after? Can all opals go in water? Can I wear opal jewelry if I shower or go swimming?
I store all Australian opal in water. Tap water is fine. Ethiopian opals should never go into water. You can wear Australian opal jewelry in the shower. You should never wear your clothes in the shower, though
Another informative video. What’s Shelia’s number?
you have such an amazing vibe . and im more of a dog person but i love cats but they kill the birds i feed :P peace m8
Oh Man I miswed this until now! I hope I'm not too late to inter the giveaway ( not what I ever win anything lol) Ive never heard of Leapard opal but that first piece that you didn't polish I like! its got a lot of red in it.. I love red in opal. Fire Opal used to be my favorite but then I discovered black opal . SO my question is where is fire opal froma nd when was it discovered? what is the largest fire opal ever cut? there ya go lots of questions. Still working on the party are ya? HAHAHahhaha Edit: OH! I just saw something. what the heck is Bello Opal? I just saw a short of a guy making a ring out of it and I've never heard of it before. I need more info!
Fire opal is any opal that is red, orange and/or yellow. Places: Mexico and Ethiopia. Hello opal is a type of synthetic opal
@@PulitzerOpal ohh ok that makes sense. I’d never heard of hello Opal before so that’s why! It looked pretty real on the video but it makes sense why he could cut a hole in it and pull the plug to make a ring..I was like what!!?? lol thank you sir.😗
How many animals do you have?! 😮
6 -4 cats, 2 turtles
@@PulitzerOpalwho's dogs were they? Or are they both named "turtle"? 🤣❤️
How does brazilian opal holds up with humidity related cracks? Does it face the same issues as ethipoan opal does?
No. It doesn’t absorb water. Many say it is more stable that Australian opal , but it is very similar to Australian opal
what is the PSI rating of opal? how resistant is it against breakage compared to other stones?
Is Iceland currently cooking up Leopard Opal, with the volcanic rocks full of holes and silica rich pools? We'll find out in a few hundred million years.
Opal forms in some places and not others. Opal can form experimentally in hours. It doesn’t necessarily take millions of years.
Les pierres sont vraiment sympa
What do you use to attach dop sticks to the opals you are polishing? I was talking to someone and they were saying that crazy glue works, but I was afraid that may damage the opal. Thank you
Most any glue or sealing wax will work. I used green dopping wax for years, until recently changing to uv-curing glue. It’s great.
@@PulitzerOpal Thank you, and have a great week
Is opal a sound investment like gold?
No, Jaclynne. Opal is worth what pare willing to pay and there are no standard prices. Opal I bought 5 years ago - it would cost double now, but I could never sell it for that. An opal dealer would give me (at most) what I bought it for and HE would make double. Buy gold!
Lol.. tic tok .... tic tok.... No need for questions...
You do realize that ""TIK TOK" can be your grandpa name... right? Imagine the grandma name to go with it... hmmm 🤔
All I know is I need a tank full of fossilized coral now 😂 So glad I found this channel, I absolutely love any type of opal. From common soap opal to rainbow fire I want it all 😂
You are an opalholic, I’m afraid. Welcome to the club!
@@PulitzerOpal YES!!!!! 😂
Some these opals are actually body organs there's a heart floating around and the transisition metals in our blood gives the opal their colors just like uluru is a giants heart muscle look at pattern and color there's many eyes been found to be opalised
Thatsso fascinating seeing the arrow head take shape like that
Great video. My question: when and how did you first catch opal fever?
Good question! I bought a piece and made an arrowhead with it
Right then Colonel Papa Doc. I'm looking forward to the next installment of Opal types I've never heard of. But seriously, when am I going to be honored with a giveaway? It's taking the mick now. Cracking video by the way!
I think that “taking the mick” needs mentioning in a video - what do you think?
@@PulitzerOpal wow. definitely
Very interesting and informative, as usual. That leopard opal is something I've never heard or before ... almost reminds me of a granitoid (k-spar and amphibole). Does it polish up nice every time?
Yes it polishes well - at least the stuff I have worked with. It has granite like features
are opal chips tasty?
Yes they are
Take the nickname trust me. It's a good history lesson and that will get you looked into by default 😉 yay free marketing!!!
Good point!
Doncha think Papa Doc is fitting? Kinda has a nice (opal) ring to it. Am I right, folks? My question is : have you ever cut any “Herkimer Diamond” druzy cabs?
I have not yet cut herkimer
My uncle left me some opal from Missouri. Can opals really be found in Missouri?
In a jewelry store …. ONLY
Wow! I have an opalin my collection with that pattern.... not quite as colorful as yours, but still very beautiful.