Advise how to cut ethiopian opal
Use as much water as possible during cutting
Look for deep sand spots and fractures. Sand spots can be deeper than
what they seem.
Do not use excessive pressure that will create friction and heat.
Take care during polishing not to create excessive friction and also
use plenty of water and a slow
speed if possible.
During cutting the stone will become completely clear (unless a dark
stone to begin with ) and will
seem to lose its colour.
After polishing leave the stone in a warm dry place.
The stones will become white and opaque.
After 5-10 days, sometime much longer, the stones will gradually
become translucent and regain
their colour. If the stones do not dry after a couple of weeks,
this is due to humidity of the area.
You can speed up
the process of drying by putting the stones under a lamp (wich will give
a little bit
of heat but not too much).