Reminds me of Eric, the opalized pliosaur. He was nearly cut up into gems at one point, but donations from the public have preserved this magnificent fossil. If I make my way down under it's on my list of things to definitely see! I love paleontology, but I agree with your assessment: some fossils are very common, very fragmented and not very valuable. It made a gorgeous gem, with value far greater then a chipped piece of clam shell ever could be.
Justin! It has been a fossil for a million years. It’s time for it to be a gem, giving delight to the eye! I think that it is one of the prettiest that I have watched you make into a real gem! Thank you!
Brilliant lesson on what to do and what to do with an opal fossil Justin - it is also good to hear you ultimately come down on the side of the fossil. I collect fossils and minerals and cringed when you first started talking. It is a fact that there are enough pieces of fossil from those shells etc that shattered during their formation to give plenty of pieces such at the one you have cut today - and what a beautiful result. Sadly the import duties and sales taxes of goods coming into the UK, make purchasing from you impossible. However a future trip to visit family down under is not out of the question which will make a visit to see you a definite trip on the agenda - so don't do anything stupid before we get there 😉 keep up the good work - I cannot resist your videos. Being disabled and having trouble sleeping you and Tamara have kept me entertained many nights - thank you 😊
WOW. That is totally gorgeous!!! Opals are awesome gems but this one really stands out! I also fully agree on the fossil vs. gem - if your fossil is intact, keep it that way...
Absolutely beautiful! I would imagine part of the decision-making process would have to be whether the fossil is whole or not, as well - I understand that whole opalized shells have a lot more value than broken ones.
It is always amazing how much beauty is hidden in each and every opal… for sure my favorite gem for so many reasons. So entrancing, i could stare into a piece like that for hours
What a gorgeous piece, and such great timing! I just ordered 3 opalised fossils from Lightning Ridge the other day, and they all seem to have some amazing colouring. The plan is to show the pieces to a local geologist first, to see what he/she thinks, before I do anything with the fossils. I wouldn't want to accidentally destroy something that's more valuable than money. On the other hand, if the fossils are common, I'm really looking forward to cutting, polishing and wearing them! Thanks so much for making this video. It's really great to know that some opalised fossils can be cut and polished the same way as any other opal 👍
Carving? Fossils? Coober Pedy? Oh dear. Are you losing your mind? LOL. Thanks for the video and regards to all at BOD. Greetings from Dimboola, in Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺.
Justin... You made my day. Thanks for the smiles and laughs. And I learned something else about opal as well. Have a great week my friend. Randy in Des Moines. 👍✌
Ha ha ! Brillant photo bombs at the end Justin !!! You guys did well to keep it in the montage ! 😂 The brightness of that gem is a définite 5, for sure ! The electric blues in the stone are so light ! Lovin it ! Well done ! 🤩
I loved what you did with this price of fossil. If it had been a whole fossil, that would've been different. But a price of clamshell fossil is a lot different. They're pretty common. The colours in this were absolutely beautiful! The minute you removed the skin, the colours popped! Hope you have a great Christmas! 🎄🎁
I think it’s beautiful without cutting and polishing it. But once you started Wow 😮 what’s not to live the colors just pop! What a cracker of a gem 💎. Have a merry Christmas 🎄 and happy new year 🎊 to all at BOD! Can’t wait to see what you will have to show for us next year 💕
Justin, absolutely fantastic. You are amazing. I'm an archeologists not a paleontologist but in my opinion you did the right thing. Fossil collectors would rather have a whole Fossil not a piece. Just a piece is worth only what you cut from it particularly one as common as a clam shell. I don't need to tell you. When it comes to anything opal you are an expert and doubt anywhere on the planet anyone knowing more than you. Totally spectacular. You are a master.
It's nice to see your passion for what you do. Taking a sometimes mundane rock and sculpting it into something so beautiful. The jewelry you make will be passed down for generations.
Wow!!! Simply amazing Justin. That fossil I think was way better suited to be the gem it is now. A beautiful white opal. You never seem to disappoint when I watch your videos. Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas.
Morning all 💜🇦🇺💜 I did, when I first started. It's a small piece of shell and very lucky me it turned out beautifully but not before I almost stuffed it right up! Lol Ahhh, I believe mines a pippi after hearing that. Thanks Justin 👍
Those Fossils were amazing being opalised like they were. I think you did the right thing cutting that skin fossil, and was amazing colours. Thank you Justin
I guess it depends on the fossil itself. Something that has no particular detail to it, but a nice play of colour, would probably do best being cut and polished, so long as the shape of the fossil is kept. After all, how much more would you get for something that looked like the shell it once was, rather than turning it into say an oval? For an opal fossil that retains some detail of the living creature it was, however, its a different matter. OK, I understand that raw opal is bought with the view to cutting the best gem you can and selling that to make a profit, but some fossils could potentially make you more money if left intact. Perhaps I'm looking at this with too narrow perspective, but I see it this way. An opal fossil that has been cut and polished to enhance its gem qualities will only attract buyers who want gem opals. An opal fossil which has been worked to keep all the detail intact may not draw in many gem collectors, but it will draw in fossil collectors, museums and so on. At the end of the day, Justin, it's your choice. Just do what you do, and, if you ever have any doubts, speak to someone in a museum. They should be able to give you an idea of the fossil's value as a fossil rather than a gem! Oops, sorry, I shouldn't try to teach my Grandma how to suck eggs, should I?
Amazing stone! I'm so glad you decided to keep it in that irregular shape to save some of the color. That shape was very pleasing to my eye. I love stones with those colors. It looks like a birthday party exploded into a gem.
Thank you Professor for another great educational clip! I look forward to many more. I hope you and your BOD family have a great Christmas. Keep safe mate.
Until I caught opal fever and started binge watching your content here on TH-cam I never ever knew fossils could be opalized. Now I do know they can be and the process of it. How cool. And yes, I agree wholeheartedly that there are fossils like this one that demand being turned into a gem or something of greater value than could ever be considered just being a fragment of fossil. And what a gorgeous gem it turned into ! Wow !
That's a beautiful stone. I didn't think I would like a white opal as much as the black ones I've seen you do. This one is the exception to my normal preference!! Great job!!
That had beautiful color! You explained the fossil thing very well. It sounds like you do your best to be responsible about what you'd cut and what not! I expect nothing less from you Justin.
well i still live and learn after all these years , never knew fossil opals exsisted . i love opals and fossils so that would be an expensive rabbit hole to go down LOL
I loved your story about fossils and opal. It makes a lot of sense to me. And I understand why you choose to cut the one you had. I love your videos. ❤️
With regards to the opal cutting secrets, it's amazing how many of those secrets also apply to fishing. I remember one elderly lady using these secrets to out catch me one time.
Awesome!!!!! Fossils are fossils... and if it's whole and rare, leave it alone. But, you have taken a piece and created an amazing gem!!! MORE fossil videos!!!
I love watching you coax fabulous colour from the raw stone. There must be a degree of tension for you until the opal starts to reveal its true colours, but for me, as an observer, I find the process almost meditative.
I agree with you, you did the right thing. As a fossil it was nice, but staring at all that glorious color, who could resist carving into that? I have some shell pieces, nothing that awesome or large, but one is a good chunk of front and some back, with sand holding it together. It does have patches of color, and I think I wont do anything to it.
My dad was a wood and metal work teacher and he said you weren't doing the craftsmanship of the two mediums right if you weren't holding your tongue right. I really miss him.
Oh Justin!! That became an incredible stone!! Wow! I appreciate you explaining the difference between a fossilized stone vs. only a stone. It completely makes sense and if I ever have to cut and polish a stone, I will use your secret tongue in cheek secret! Tee hee! Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I’m so glad that you made this video. Ended up with a beautiful crystal. I’ve passed on shell opal from Coober Pedy, because I was concerned that a stone cut from it would be uneven thickness and possibly too thin. I wonder how much uneven thickness affects final price.
Thank you so much for the education. BTW...That gem was remarkably beautiful to me. The price seems really nice for such eye candy. Merry Christmas tou you and your circle of friends and family.
As it wasn't a full fossil I agree you made the perfect shout. I'm not a jewellery person but something that beautiful I would wear and set right it would explode and it's something that is crying out to be cherished, worn and passed down through generations. Justin you've done it again 👏 🙌 💎 💎
Just catching up with you mob. Had an horrific car accident last Monday week. Tottaled the car and nearly myself. Was helicoptered to RMH Trauma unit. Off to rehab. facility tomorrow. Love to all JOOLZ.
I've tried many times over the past year to find real opal at a fare price and I don't doubt the worth of what's on your website. I love your videos and wish I had the money to buy from you. You buy most of your opal straight through word of mouth with the miners and I love that. No middle man but you and to the customer. I have no customers only loved ones I wish to show my love towards with a lovely flash of color in a one of a kind stone. I'm sure many people including myself would love the opportunity to buy random individual stones at a $5-20 range with shipping being separate perhaps. I don't know anything about shipping and handling but I would appreciate the chance to try a piece of true opal. Your opal is valuable even your beaten by sand opal are pieces I dream of one day having the opportunity to buy. I kinda hurt to see those pieces of opal trapped in resin but to see such beautiful captured forever in its peak form is truly beautiful. But none the less any piece that has color that you don't want let me know or maybe post it on your website if you have the time. Don't waste your time but you may be able to make many more people smile with a poor man's chance at making somthing beautiful as a sunrise for the light in my life.
That map you showed--I had no idea that the opal mining sites covered such a large area. (But as an American I was oddly surprised when you didn't tell us how many times the state of Texas would fit in the inland sea...)
As a broken fossil, I think it holds little historical value. I have a huge collection of broken arrowheads that I'm in the process of turning into art. They too have little value compared to an unbroken piece.
My only big find ever was a Paleolithic tool made of chert. In a tiny little creek in Portola Valley Ca. Its a handtool ... it fits in my hand perfectly! I sent photos of it to a Paleontologist at Stanford ...it's at least 2000 years old.
It’s just a small broken piece of a common clam fossil, the Opal’s value is much higher. Justin you are an artist, beautiful colors!
Stunning stone! As a fossil it wasn't impressive, but as a gem it is gorgeous!
yep
Reminds me of Eric, the opalized pliosaur. He was nearly cut up into gems at one point, but donations from the public have preserved this magnificent fossil. If I make my way down under it's on my list of things to definitely see! I love paleontology, but I agree with your assessment: some fossils are very common, very fragmented and not very valuable. It made a gorgeous gem, with value far greater then a chipped piece of clam shell ever could be.
Eric is epic, especially since the last fish meal he ate is also opalised in his stomach. Amazing stuff!!
That opalized pine cone was incredible
Justin! It has been a fossil for a million years. It’s time for it to be a gem, giving delight to the eye! I think that it is one of the prettiest that I have watched you make into a real gem! Thank you!
Brilliant lesson on what to do and what to do with an opal fossil Justin - it is also good to hear you ultimately come down on the side of the fossil. I collect fossils and minerals and cringed when you first started talking. It is a fact that there are enough pieces of fossil from those shells etc that shattered during their formation to give plenty of pieces such at the one you have cut today - and what a beautiful result. Sadly the import duties and sales taxes of goods coming into the UK, make purchasing from you impossible. However a future trip to visit family down under is not out of the question which will make a visit to see you a definite trip on the agenda - so don't do anything stupid before we get there 😉 keep up the good work - I cannot resist your videos. Being disabled and having trouble sleeping you and Tamara have kept me entertained many nights - thank you 😊
WOW. That is totally gorgeous!!!
Opals are awesome gems but this one really stands out!
I also fully agree on the fossil vs. gem - if your fossil is intact, keep it that way...
Absolutely beautiful! I would imagine part of the decision-making process would have to be whether the fossil is whole or not, as well - I understand that whole opalized shells have a lot more value than broken ones.
Hello Opal.
Gorgeous colours, so bright, and just about every rainbow hue. Great decision to cut this one.
Wow, the colour in that fossil is unreal!! 😍
Absolutely stunning, such vivid beautiful array of colours!
No bad ideas just learning experiences 👍 Rock on Justin
It is always amazing how much beauty is hidden in each and every opal… for sure my favorite gem for so many reasons. So entrancing, i could stare into a piece like that for hours
I say it was definitely worth it. Beautiful flashes of colors.
Definitely a beauty! Thank you for taking the time to explain how sometimes fossilized opal can be worth cutting.
PS- love listening to you talk. 😊
What a gorgeous piece, and such great timing! I just ordered 3 opalised fossils from Lightning Ridge the other day, and they all seem to have some amazing colouring. The plan is to show the pieces to a local geologist first, to see what he/she thinks, before I do anything with the fossils. I wouldn't want to accidentally destroy something that's more valuable than money.
On the other hand, if the fossils are common, I'm really looking forward to cutting, polishing and wearing them!
Thanks so much for making this video. It's really great to know that some opalised fossils can be cut and polished the same way as any other opal 👍
Beautiful outcome btw
Carving? Fossils? Coober Pedy? Oh dear. Are you losing your mind? LOL. Thanks for the video and regards to all at BOD. Greetings from Dimboola, in Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺.
😂😂
Beautiful stone!! Fabulous colors dancing in that polished stone!
Justin...
You made my day. Thanks for the smiles and laughs. And I learned something else about opal as well.
Have a great week my friend.
Randy in Des Moines. 👍✌
Ha ha ! Brillant photo bombs at the end Justin !!! You guys did well to keep it in the montage ! 😂
The brightness of that gem is a définite 5, for sure ! The electric blues in the stone are so light ! Lovin it ! Well done ! 🤩
I loved what you did with this price of fossil. If it had been a whole fossil, that would've been different. But a price of clamshell fossil is a lot different. They're pretty common.
The colours in this were absolutely beautiful! The minute you removed the skin, the colours popped!
Hope you have a great Christmas! 🎄🎁
That piece is stunning! I'm glad you decided to cut it.
I think it’s beautiful without cutting and polishing it. But once you started Wow 😮 what’s not to live the colors just pop! What a cracker of a gem 💎. Have a merry Christmas 🎄 and happy new year 🎊 to all at BOD! Can’t wait to see what you will have to show for us next year 💕
I could never own that and NOT always want to see whats under that skin
@@ThatOpalGuy I think I could have been happy either way. There is beauty in its original form and just a beautiful gem when polished!
I absolutely love this kind of content. Thank you Justin for the education and time you share! In my opinion it’s worth more than the stones!
Justin, absolutely fantastic. You are amazing.
I'm an archeologists not a paleontologist but in my opinion you did the right thing. Fossil collectors would rather have a whole Fossil not a piece. Just a piece is worth only what you cut from it particularly one as common as a clam shell.
I don't need to tell you. When it comes to anything opal you are an expert and doubt anywhere on the planet anyone knowing more than you.
Totally spectacular. You are a master.
Thank you Justin for sharing good information on fossil or Opal ! It is a very beautiful Opal !
It's nice to see your passion for what you do. Taking a sometimes mundane rock and sculpting it into something so beautiful. The jewelry you make will be passed down for generations.
I like that it still has some of the fossil feature on the back so you know the stone came from a shell fossil
Correct decision, for sure! That is one GORGEOUS gem!
I am waiting for my first opals to arrive and anxiously practicing the tongue movements ;)
Wow!!! Simply amazing Justin. That fossil I think was way better suited to be the gem it is now. A beautiful white opal. You never seem to disappoint when I watch your videos. Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas.
How you explained the pro's and cons of polishing fossil opal makes perfect sense, and you made the wright decision polishing it, a lovely opal!
I love these sparklies!
Morning all 💜🇦🇺💜
I did, when I first started. It's a small piece of shell and very lucky me it turned out beautifully but not before I almost stuffed it right up! Lol
Ahhh, I believe mines a pippi after hearing that. Thanks Justin 👍
It was a broken piece of fossil, now it's a complete opal stone
wow, that's serious colour.
Those Fossils were amazing being opalised like they were. I think you did the right thing cutting that skin fossil, and was amazing colours.
Thank you Justin
I guess it depends on the fossil itself. Something that has no particular detail to it, but a nice play of colour, would probably do best being cut and polished, so long as the shape of the fossil is kept. After all, how much more would you get for something that looked like the shell it once was, rather than turning it into say an oval?
For an opal fossil that retains some detail of the living creature it was, however, its a different matter. OK, I understand that raw opal is bought with the view to cutting the best gem you can and selling that to make a profit, but some fossils could potentially make you more money if left intact.
Perhaps I'm looking at this with too narrow perspective, but I see it this way. An opal fossil that has been cut and polished to enhance its gem qualities will only attract buyers who want gem opals. An opal fossil which has been worked to keep all the detail intact may not draw in many gem collectors, but it will draw in fossil collectors, museums and so on.
At the end of the day, Justin, it's your choice. Just do what you do, and, if you ever have any doubts, speak to someone in a museum. They should be able to give you an idea of the fossil's value as a fossil rather than a gem!
Oops, sorry, I shouldn't try to teach my Grandma how to suck eggs, should I?
Amazing stone! I'm so glad you decided to keep it in that irregular shape to save some of the color. That shape was very pleasing to my eye. I love stones with those colors. It looks like a birthday party exploded into a gem.
Beautiful gem!! I agree that cutting a gem with this was an awesome idea!!👍👍😁
Thank you Professor for another great educational clip! I look forward to many more. I hope you and your BOD family have a great Christmas.
Keep safe mate.
You are so right! Can’t do anything properly, without the approved tongue positioning!
Stunning! I would love to get a good look at it against a white velvet background as I suspect it's even prettier in person.
I like the transformation, and appreciate that it becomes a gem fossils.
Wow! I love the sparkle. It's like Christmas lights!
Until I caught opal fever and started binge watching your content here on TH-cam I never ever knew fossils could be opalized. Now I do know they can be and the process of it.
How cool.
And yes, I agree wholeheartedly that there are fossils like this one that demand being turned into a gem or something of greater value than could ever be considered just being a fragment of fossil.
And what a gorgeous gem it turned into ! Wow !
What a stunning beauty, love the colors!💎❤️👏👍
Absolutely gorgeous!
That's a beautiful stone. I didn't think I would like a white opal as much as the black ones I've seen you do. This one is the exception to my normal preference!! Great job!!
I'm speechless at your talent!
I collect them, I have a few real pretty branches with color and quite a few clams
That had beautiful color! You explained the fossil thing very well. It sounds like you do your best to be responsible about what you'd cut and what not! I expect nothing less from you Justin.
Thanks Wendi
Nice to see you getting in to that organic look 👌
That was educational, beautiful and relaxing to watch. Thank you.
Glad to know about fossils! The gem is beautiful!!!
well i still live and learn after all these years , never knew fossil opals exsisted . i love opals and fossils so that would be an expensive rabbit hole to go down LOL
I loved your story about fossils and opal. It makes a lot of sense to me. And I understand why you choose to cut the one you had. I love your videos. ❤️
With regards to the opal cutting secrets, it's amazing how many of those secrets also apply to fishing.
I remember one elderly lady using these secrets to out catch me one time.
I think you have this great wisdom and experience to know when to go gem or leave as is. You are the man!!!!
I always forget about opalized fossils. Very cool explanation and polished stone. Thanks for sharing!
Justin that fossil turned in a stunning gem I love vibrant colour like that ❤ Merry Christmas to you all at black Opal direct 🎄🎉🎊
Awesome!!!!! Fossils are fossils... and if it's whole and rare, leave it alone. But, you have taken a piece and created an amazing gem!!! MORE fossil videos!!!
Absolutely beautiful. Perfectly worked in the hands of a pro and lover of opals. Thank you.
It didn't look like an important fossil, but as a jewel, could be very important to someone, now! GJ!
Stunning! I think this one was worth it. That color is so bright!
Very beautiful the color is stunning.
I love watching you coax fabulous colour from the raw stone. There must be a degree of tension for you until the opal starts to reveal its true colours, but for me, as an observer, I find the process almost meditative.
Wow I just LOVE the colour and play in that stone. Really beautiful.
I would say if it was a full fossil then to leave it as such, but if it is only part of it, then it would be fine
I agree with you, you did the right thing. As a fossil it was nice, but staring at all that glorious color, who could resist carving into that?
I have some shell pieces, nothing that awesome or large, but one is a good chunk of front and some back, with sand holding it together. It does have patches of color, and I think I wont do anything to it.
Thanks Don!
Turned out beautiful
My gosh what a beautiful stone... from such a common fossil shell!
That is just gorgeous! Thanks Justin!
Beautiful gem stone❗️
Plenty of fossils are found by opal miners that aren't gem grade, so the only other purpose is a flashy museum\collector piece.
My dad was a wood and metal work teacher and he said you weren't doing the craftsmanship of the two mediums right if you weren't holding your tongue right. I really miss him.
Definitely better as a gemstone than a fossil. That's a really nice looking opal.
Oh Justin!! That became an incredible stone!! Wow! I appreciate you explaining the difference between a fossilized stone vs. only a stone. It completely makes sense and if I ever have to cut and polish a stone, I will use your secret tongue in cheek secret! Tee hee! Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
That is a beautiful piece! I think the fact is it holds some of the spirit of trace fossil makes it full of character.
Really happy you didn't make it an oval. It's so pretty!
Now That's My Kind of Colored Opal,Stunning,Love The Channel...
it always amazes me how the prettiest things come from dirt or a rock or both , anyway comes from dirt ...
Hey, I saw that TH-cam play button on your wall. I'm super happy for you. I saw that and literally jumped for joy. Similar to you
that opal pinecone is amazing
Wow! So much beautiful color!!
I’m so glad that you made this video. Ended up with a beautiful crystal. I’ve passed on shell opal from Coober Pedy, because I was concerned that a stone cut from it would be uneven thickness and possibly too thin. I wonder how much uneven thickness affects final price.
Thank you so much for the education. BTW...That gem was remarkably beautiful to me. The price seems really nice for such eye candy. Merry Christmas tou you and your circle of friends and family.
Stunning white opal. Thank you for explaining.
Omg! That is flipping beautiful !!
I may never own such beauty, but i really can enjoy and appreciate what you have shown us!
As it wasn't a full fossil I agree you made the perfect shout. I'm not a jewellery person but something that beautiful I would wear and set right it would explode and it's something that is crying out to be cherished, worn and passed down through generations. Justin you've done it again 👏 🙌 💎 💎
AWESOME color ..great idea for that one.
So good morning now! Just like always its great to see the master create! Stunnin shell whit lovely colors
Just catching up with you mob. Had an horrific car accident last Monday week. Tottaled the car and nearly myself. Was helicoptered to RMH Trauma unit. Off to rehab. facility tomorrow. Love to all JOOLZ.
I'm praying that you have a quick and complete recovery from your injuries! Take care!
I've tried many times over the past year to find real opal at a fare price and I don't doubt the worth of what's on your website. I love your videos and wish I had the money to buy from you. You buy most of your opal straight through word of mouth with the miners and I love that. No middle man but you and to the customer.
I have no customers only loved ones I wish to show my love towards with a lovely flash of color in a one of a kind stone.
I'm sure many people including myself would love the opportunity to buy random individual stones at a $5-20 range with shipping being separate perhaps. I don't know anything about shipping and handling but I would appreciate the chance to try a piece of true opal.
Your opal is valuable even your beaten by sand opal are pieces I dream of one day having the opportunity to buy. I kinda hurt to see those pieces of opal trapped in resin but to see such beautiful captured forever in its peak form is truly beautiful. But none the less any piece that has color that you don't want let me know or maybe post it on your website if you have the time. Don't waste your time but you may be able to make many more people smile with a poor man's chance at making somthing beautiful as a sunrise for the light in my life.
Is the density of a shelf the same as a regular opal
Nice stone. You have come a long way in your videos from when I first was introduced to you, mate. Solid production and well done.
Much appreciated!
That’s the most beautiful opal I’ve ever seen!
That map you showed--I had no idea that the opal mining sites covered such a large area. (But as an American I was oddly surprised when you didn't tell us how many times the state of Texas would fit in the inland sea...)
As a broken fossil, I think it holds little historical value. I have a huge collection of broken arrowheads that I'm in the process of turning into art. They too have little value compared to an unbroken piece.
My only big find ever was a Paleolithic tool made of chert. In a tiny little creek in Portola Valley Ca. Its a handtool ... it fits in my hand perfectly! I sent photos of it to a Paleontologist at Stanford ...it's at least 2000 years old.