How to rub out an opal to get ready to cut, shape and polish

Episode 2  - How to rub out an opal to get ready to cut, shape and polish

 Extra tips and key points:

- Look over the opal and plan out what you will do before cutting. Begin to plan out which side will be the front and back, look which way the colour bar is running. Ideally, you want the colour bar running horizontal, as if it's vertical it can limit the colour of the opal. 

- See where the potch (colourless opal) and sand is. This is a big factor in helping to determine the front and back of the stone. You don't want to 'chase the colour', as this is when you can lose gem quality colour. 

- Let the opal guide you in the shape. If you 'chase the shape', similar to 'chasing the colour', you can lose gem quality colour. 

- Be soft when pressing against the wheels. You can always take more off, but you can't add it on. This stage is just about preparing the stone and taking out minor imperfections and getting it ready to shape and polish in depth. 

- Ensure the back is flat for the doping stage. If its not, it can cause you to cut the opal crooked.

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