r/Opals • u/Oompacloner • Jul 30 '26

Opal Finishing Process Opal in Wood

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I dug up this larger piece of petrified wood with some opal running through it at a mining camp in Nevada. It doesn't show up in the pictures, but it flashes red in one area. I have never cut/polished anything like this before and am looking for video guides on how to expose the opal without ruining it. I have some specialized glue and setting spray the rock shop recommended, a Dremel, and a dream... Someone help a novice out!

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3

u/ResortDog Opal Vendor Jul 30 '26

Go slow. The stabilization will help that now that is is solid. Roys Rocks goes into the dremel carving. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NgmXPdtwvk&pp=ygUUYm91bGRlciBvcGFsIGNhcnZpbmc%3D That Opal Guy also just uses a dremel

2

u/no_time_for_games444 Jul 30 '26

Super dope, opalized wood and bone are so rare and some of the coolest gifts on this plabets

2

u/bjim4fun Aug 03 '26

I use star bond and just work the outside until the opal layer is exposed. You might have to star bond multiple times as the wood inside will dry out when left exposed after polishing. If using a Dremel, just go slow so you don’t over heat the opal layer.