Cleaning Opals Found in Nevada: A Guide for New Collectors

Question
I have a question regarding cleaning of opals.  We recently went digging in the Virgin Valley of Nevada, USA and we were advised any opals found still in the wood should not be soaked in water.  We found both in wood and rock or petrified wood.  I have a couple of Australian opals and they are just beautiful.  We thought it would be fun to attack the tailings of Nevada and did find a few small ones.  Please help us keep our finds!  Thank you

Answer
Hi Deb,
sorry to be late4 answering ,I ve just returned from opal fields of queensland. We too have some opalised wood, but it is fine to  soak in water , tho , Nevada is a bit different .If the locals say dont soak in water it must be that the wood is not fully opalised , still I cant see how it wouldnt  opal is old  andf has replaced the wood in parts . Nevada opal is very cracky and only really looks good in water or opticon ,( gap fracture  sealer)If you dont intend to wera  the opal .. soak away ... HOPE THAT HELPS best regards Rod Keady www.keadyopals.com