Cleaning Uncut Opals: A Guide to Preserving Your Gemstone

Question
I recently got stones with opal veins in them.  How do I clean away the stone and not harm the opal parts inside?

Answer
Hi Patti ,

is the host rock brown ? if so then its boulder opal  from queensland australia, the most glorious of all opal ...in my opinion.
You pick the thickest vein and grind down to it . Are you a lapidarist ? and have some wheels or a drill? if not,  its best to have someone else do it , theres a fair bit of dirt.. be very careful the can be super thin, but also they can have great colours . Each opal of this type is absolutely unique , well I guess all opal is but with boulder its more pronounced.  have fun  and hope your boulder produces good colour its such a buzz when the revealment of pattern and colour youll be hooked .
best Rod Keady