Cutting an Unusual Opal: A Fascinating Process

🔍Crystal opals from Welo, Ethiopia are known for their high transparency but are challenging to cut due to the tendency to craze.

🔬To maximize yield, Moriarty compensates for the shape of the opal and carefully plans the cuts for an oval and pear shape.

🪔The cutting process involves using a diamond saw and water as a coolant to prevent damage to the opal.

✂️Dopping and preforming the opal are crucial steps to ensure stability in the cutting process.

💎The final result will be a stunning crystal opal, showcasing its natural beauty and unique play of colors.

What makes cutting crystal opals challenging?

—Crystal opals from Welo, Ethiopia are known for their tendency to craze, which can ruin the stone during cutting.

How does Moriarty maximize the yield of the opal?

—Moriarty compensates for the shape of the opal and carefully plans the cuts to create an oval and pear shape, ensuring the most material is used.

What tools does Moriarty use in the cutting process?

—Moriarty uses a diamond saw and water as a coolant to cut the opal without causing damage.

What are the necessary steps before cutting the opal?

—The opal needs to be dopped and preformed to ensure stability during the cutting process.

What can we expect from the final result?

—The final result will be a stunning crystal opal, showcasing its natural beauty and unique play of colors.

00:01In this video, Steve Moriarty demonstrates the process of cutting a rare crystal opal from Welo, Ethiopia.

00:17Despite its high transparency, crystal opals from Welo, Ethiopia are challenging to cut due to their tendency to craze.

00:31Moriarty compensates for the shape of the opal and carefully plans the cuts to create an oval and pear shape, maximizing the yield.

00:44The cutting process involves using a diamond saw and water as a coolant to prevent damage to the opal.

00:56Dopping and preforming the opal are crucial steps to ensure stability during the cutting process.

01:07The final result will be a stunning crystal opal, showcasing its natural beauty and unique play of colors.