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Opal Info — Andamooka

Videos from Opal Quest! Mining, Information, The journey, Fun!!

Posted by Mark Jones on

Videos from Opal Quest! Mining, Information, The journey, Fun!!

Follow along on our opal gemstone hunting adventures as we chase down the allusive Australian opal. Driving all over the Aussie outback we travel to remote places like Lightning ridge, NSW in search of Black opal, Coober Pedy, SA,  where we mine for white opal, crystal opal, fire opal and opalised shells and fossils. Videos are constantly being uploaded on our Facebook and Instagram pages where you can ask us questions and comment.

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How to treat Andamooka matrix - with sugar and acid

Posted by Mark Jones on

How to treat Andamooka matrix - with sugar and acid

In this little Blog we discuss the process of treating the raw matrix opal. Basically its the technique of making the colour of the host rock (sandstone) darker to highlight the opal disbursed throughout the stone.

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Treating Andamooka Matrix - with sugar, no acid

Posted by Mark Jones on

Treating Andamooka Matrix - with sugar, no acid

In this Blog we talk about treating matrix opal without using harsh acids! This process can be used on certain types of matrix gem opal stones to darken up the existing host rock (sandstone) therefore making the opal disbursed throughout the stone really stand out. This treatment has been around for donkeys years as the old time miners would just throw the raw matrix into their campfire at night after soaking it in either sugar syrup or in some cases used sump oil ( I don't recommend this) Lol.

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Andamooka Opal Fields

Posted by Mark Jones on

Andamooka Opal Fields

Join us on this blog as we explore the opal fields of Andamooka.  Check out the unique types of opal found in this remote South Australian town.  Whilst Coober Pedy is the largest producer of white opal in Australia, Andamooka produces stunning black matrix opal, crystal opal, seam opal and white fire opal.  These different opals make gorgeous rings, pendants and earrings as well as specimen stones.

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White Opal

Posted by Mark Jones on

White Opal

Some interesting facts about our very own Australian white opals!

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