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Amy,
I have (I believe) some of the opal you are referring to. Light to medium
blue with a lot of black dendrite-looking inclusions and some white wispy
inclusions, too. Let me begin by saying this stuff is unlike any other
opal I have ever worked (I've worked a lot of opal). I have managed to get
a reasonable polish on it using 14k, followed by 100k grit diamond. You
may be overheating the stone, causing the cracks. Any time I polish opal
with diamond, I use short bursts of time on the polishing lap. In between
these bursts, I check the temperature by touching it with my finger. I
also add a few drops of diamond extender fluid or mineral oil to the lap (I
use the Hi-tech polishing pads). I have never been able to get a really
good polish on that opal. I'm still trying new things. Cerium seems to
get about the same results for me as diamond. Since I'm a stickler for a
good polish, I wouldn't sell any of my finished pieces. I haven't seen a
good polish on anyone *else's* finished pieces either, so I don't feel too
bad. That particular opal has an extra waxy lustre that I've never seen
on any opal before. I'm real tempted to say that it's not truly opal, but
I'm no gemmologist so I can't be sure. It is very beautiful and
interesting stuff, though (I for one, love inclusions). If I find any great
new way to polish it, I'll let you know - Hope you'll do the same!
Mark Williams
In warm, humid Oregon
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