Rough, rubs and specimens

Rough opal is opal as it comes out of the ground or the agitation process (washing and tumbling). It has not been touched by lapidary equipment. Rough opal may be of seam or nobby form; it may be black, grey or crystal; it may contain variable amounts of gem colour amongst the common opal or potch.

Rubs are pieces of opal that have been taken to the lapidary wheel to begin exposing any gem colour present. Rubs may also have been partly shaped, or preformed. They have not been given their final shape and polish.

Rubs are often more expensive than rough opal, because there is usually less risk involved than when purchasing rough opal: when buying a rub, the purchaser can see better how much opal colour is present and of what quality. Some people prefer to buy rough opal because it is exciting and may yield high dividends; others prefer to buy rubs because the risk is lower.

Specimens

Specimens of rough Lightning Ridge opal are coveted by collectors and fans of opal the world over.

We take the time while mining to find and keep beautiful opal specimens. Some specimens are completely in the rough, with natural shiny surfaces caused by pieces fracturing during mining. With others, we polish the gem surface to reveal its colour, but leave the gem sitting in its natural surround of potch and sandstone or claystone.

Opal specimens are exceedingly beautiful, and we take great pleasure in finding them and sharing them with others who appreciate them.

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