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About Me...About Opal  Links to faceted and rough gems and metallic fresh water pearls upper right corner.

I love looking and playing with opal. I grew up rock hounding with my family as a child and ended up studying Geology at the University of New Brunswick obtaining a Bachelor of Science in the subject. Opal became an obsession from the moment I laid eyes on a big enough piece that you didn't need a magnifying glass to see. I travelled to Australia and made contacts with various miners that are now good friends. They have showed me opals they rarely bring out of the safe. Some of them have kept the best they ever mined.  I studied the opal cutting practices of Spencer TAFE at Coober Pedy campus.  That made me think back to when I had the rock tumblers as a child.  I purchased a Diamond Pixie and started cutting opal as soon as I learned.  After a few years and a few wheels had to be replaced I purchased the Titan from Diamond Pacific.  It was much larger and cut faster than the Pixie but I would suggest the Pixie to anyone thinking of cutting opal to start out.   It seemed to be made for opal. 

Because of the deals I make on opal, I am able to offer lower prices than most any website. I am very honest and have a full return policy. I became friends with a few Ethiopians and can honestly say these people are amazing.  They have the biggest hearts and their honesty is unlike other African countries.  I'm not one for telling everyone about my Christianity but these people are true believers.   I've never seen so many true Christians in a country before like Ethiopia.  If you ever get a chance to visit this country please do not hesitate as you will be amazed at the friendly nature of these people and the history of their country will blow most anyone away.     

Here I am above pictured in Andamooka using the divining rods to find opal. Your Suppose to say a little prayer before using the rods. When they cross that's where you dig. Many miners use them to find slides but I feel they're useless. Except inspiration for digging.  You know when you feel God is on your side it's easier work.

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Here are a couple men searching for opal along the steep cliffs of Tsehay Mewcha in Wollo Ethiopia. 
This how the actual mining operations look in Wollo Ethiopia.  Very different from the flat Outback of Australia.

Here I am in Pimba along the Stuart highway between. Augusta and Coober Pedy S.A.. This is where you turn off the highway to go to Andamooka.

Here's an exciting road sign for Australian opal lovers. The Stuart highway runs all the way to Darwin from Adelaide. All the opal stops are in between.

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