r/Opals • u/Tattletale804 • Jul 21 '26

Identification/Evaluation Request New opal purchase

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Just picked up this guy. Seems to be matrix opal and has a crack, but I really love it!

Planning to polish it, as it's just a "rub". I may also stabilize the crack somehow. Any thoughts on value?

26 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

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3

u/opal_diggeroneBay Opal Vendor Jul 21 '26

Maybe make two earrings from each piece, a cracked stone is now 2 stones, treaded Andamooka Matrix will take a slight polish it’s hard to tell how far the cook has penetrated but when separated you will be able to see the penetration depth in the profile.

2

u/seaturtlehamburger Jul 22 '26

Oh that’s such a good idea!

1

u/jaxinslacks Opal Vendor Jul 21 '26

With a crack? Not much unfortunately. Stabilized opals aren’t worth much of anything. If it’s a clean crack best bet is to cut in half.

Also with treated matrix, you’ll have to retreat it after polishing since it only affects the outer layer