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Cooking Matrix Opal

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tinker:
Learned colleagues, I have recently came into some Matrix Opal from Winton in Queensland, It is the raw material and I have been told, to get the colours to come up in the stone.  You either have to burn it in sugar or in a light oil, is that correct, I was  previously told that you use sulphur acid and sugar.   Any advise would be much appreciated. beers

FlashGP:
Tinker,

It's a good thing you asked, Opal is generally considered heat sensitive.  I wouldnt burn it and would talk to an opal specialist before treating it.

Regards
Flash

pito:
Hi Tinker,
I have some of that opal that needs treatment but haven't got around to it yet. I came across the following
 http://illawarralapidaryclub.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Heat-Treatment-of-Opal-in-Sandstone.pdf
and it provides excellent info how to go about treating the opal. Basically you have to preform your material then treat it and then final polish. Let us know how you go

Regards Pito

tinker:
Thanks Pito, I will let you know how I go. beers

MakkyBrown:
The opal from opalton(near Winton) I think they call it fairy opal(in sandstone). I was told to form to rough shape and soak in superglue then polish. I'm not sure you cook it like he andamooka opal.
https://www.johnosopals.com/2010/11/treating-andamooka-matrix-opal

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