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Opalton matrix boulder

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nik
spending too much on rocks

Member since May 2019
Posts: 315

Opalton matrix boulder Jul 21, 2019 3:38:43 GMT -5 mgrets, Pat, and 6 more like this

Quote

Post by nik on Jul 21, 2019 3:38:43 GMT -5

I had a productive day on the grinder, Finished these four, and the noreena jasper. I had been fighting with undercutting on the softer matrix during polish, but I finally solved that problem by running at about 700 rpm with cerium oxide on nearly dry leather. I'm still not completely happy with the matrix, but it is a huge improvement over my previous results.

The noreena is easily the most photogenic of the bunch, but the opals all have nice fire that I'm just not able to catch with the camera.

IMG_20190721_180134 by nik hintz, on Flickr

IMG_20190721_180100 by nik hintz, on Flickr

IMG_20190721_180043 by nik hintz, on Flickr

IMG_20190721_180113 by nik hintz, on Flickr

IMG_20190721_175935 by nik hintz, on Flickr

Last Edit: Jul 21, 2019 3:41:43 GMT -5 by nik

fernwood misunderstood rock expert Member since May 2016 Posts: 11,965	Opalton matrix boulder Jul 21, 2019 3:55:41 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by fernwood on Jul 21, 2019 3:55:41 GMT -5 Nice Opals. Really like #3.
	Listen to the rock. The rock knows its destiny. It will guide you in fulfilling that. www.facebook.com/Native-Inspirations-1212045702232918/ somethingspecialwi.com/list/member/native-inspirations-5975 www.flickr.com/photos/145230675@N04/albums

MsAli misunderstood rock expert Member since October 2017 Posts: 11,455	Opalton matrix boulder Jul 21, 2019 7:12:50 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by MsAli on Jul 21, 2019 7:12:50 GMT -5 The opals came out great. I know it's hard to catch just how flashy they are in person.
	Follow us on IG @ BETTERTOGETHERROCKS and our new adventure YOUTUBE: Bettertogetheradventures Just start by creating your day. Then create your life. Prince, The Beautiful Ones

rockjunquie Global Moderator Member since March 2012 Posts: 35,018	Opalton matrix boulder Jul 21, 2019 7:31:40 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by rockjunquie on Jul 21, 2019 7:31:40 GMT -5 I see the fire- they look awesome! That noreena came out great, too.

pauls
fully equipped rock polisher

Member since May 2013
Posts: 1,173

Opalton matrix boulder Jul 21, 2019 16:35:15 GMT -5

Quote

Post by pauls on Jul 21, 2019 16:35:15 GMT -5

Soft spots in the matrix can be treated with CA superglue, it seals it up nicely, it needs to be done during sanding stage.
Don't leave the opal in the sun, I bought back a bucket full from Opalton last year and left it sitting in the sun and the opal faded badly. The faded can be cut away but who wants to be grinding Opal away because of your stupidity.

Pat misunderstood rock expert Member since February 2012 Posts: 11,835	Opalton matrix boulder Jul 21, 2019 16:43:52 GMT -5 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Pat on Jul 21, 2019 16:43:52 GMT -5 Good looking bunch! I like them all. Thanks.
	Pat

hummingbirdstones
misunderstood rock expert

Member since October 2017
Posts: 14,145

Opalton matrix boulder Jul 22, 2019 8:54:01 GMT -5

Quote

Post by hummingbirdstones on Jul 22, 2019 8:54:01 GMT -5

Beautiful job on the opals! They turned out great.

Robin

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience."
~ C.S. Lewis

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Opalton matrix boulder

Post by nik on Jul 21, 2019 3:38:43 GMT -5

Post by fernwood on Jul 21, 2019 3:55:41 GMT -5

Post by MsAli on Jul 21, 2019 7:12:50 GMT -5

Post by rockjunquie on Jul 21, 2019 7:31:40 GMT -5

Post by pauls on Jul 21, 2019 16:35:15 GMT -5

Post by Pat on Jul 21, 2019 16:43:52 GMT -5

Post by hummingbirdstones on Jul 22, 2019 8:54:01 GMT -5

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