When people ask me how to choose rough opal, I always think back to my early days on the opal fields. I’ve spent years mining, cutting, and handling opal, and now that I also sell rough opals here in the UK, I get a lot of beginners asking the same question: “How do I know what to look for?”
If you’re just starting out — whether you want to cut your first stone or you’re browsing rough opal for sale in the UK — I want to share the things I personally look for when selecting rough. These are the same principles I use when choosing the material I offer on my website and promote from my Youtube Channel.
1. Start With Beginner‑Friendly Rough Opal
Not all rough opal is suitable for someone new to cutting. When I’m preparing parcels for beginners, I focus on material that’s easier to read and more forgiving.
The types I usually recommend are:
- White or light opal – stable and predictable
- Crystal opal – great for learning how colour bars behave
- Seam opal – often has clearer colour structure
I do sell black opals as well, but I always tell beginners: start with affordable, stable material first. Once you understand how opal behaves, then you can move up to the more valuable pieces.
2. Look for a Clear, Visible Colour Bar
The colour bar is the heart of the stone. When I’m choosing rough to sell, I always rotate each piece under strong light and check for:
- A continuous colour bar
- Brightness that holds from multiple angles
- Minimal sand or potch breaking through the colour
If you’re buying rough opal online, make sure the seller shows the stone from multiple angles. I always photograph my rough honestly — no tricks, no hiding flaws — because beginners need to see exactly what they’re working with.
3. Brightness Matters More Than Size
A small piece with strong brightness can be worth far more than a large piece with weak colour. When I’m grading rough opal, I look for:
- Strong flashes
- Colour that stays visible even in lower light
- Patterns that hold when the stone moves
If the colour disappears unless you hold it at a perfect angle, it’s probably not the best choice for a beginner.
4. Know the Risks Hidden Inside Rough Opal
Even after years of mining and cutting, rough opal still surprises me. Some stones open up beautifully; others don’t. That’s part of the magic — and the challenge.
When I inspect rough before listing it for sale, I always check for:
- Sand spots
- Cracks or crazing
- Weak or thin colour bars
- Potch layers that may swallow the colour
I always describe these honestly in my listings. If a piece has risk, I say so. Beginners shouldn’t be gambling on rough they don’t understand.
5. Choose Rough That Matches Your Skill Level
When customers message me asking which rough opal to buy, I always ask about their experience. The rough you choose should match your confidence with cutting.
If you’re new, look for:
- Stones with obvious colour bars
- Thicker pieces that allow mistakes
- Material that doesn’t require precision cutting
If you’re more advanced, you can explore:
- Black opal rough
- Crystal opal with complex bars
- Boulder opal with hidden potential
I sell a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced rough — and I’m always happy to point you toward the right type.
6. Buy From Someone Who Actually Works With Opal
This is something I feel strongly about. Because I mine, cut, and sell opal myself, I know exactly what I’m offering. I’ve handled every piece personally.
When you’re buying rough opal — especially online — make sure the seller:
- Understands how opal behaves
- Shows clear, honest photos
- Can explain the risks
- Offers material suitable for your level
I only sell rough I would cut myself. If a piece isn’t good enough for my bench, it doesn’t go on the website.
7. Enjoy the Process — Every Stone Teaches You Something
Opal is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it special. Some of my best stones came from rough that looked average. Some of my biggest disappointments came from rough that looked perfect.
If you’re just starting out:
- Buy a few small pieces
- Practice reading colour bars
- Learn how opal reacts to cutting
- Don’t rush the process
Every stone has a story — and every cut teaches you something new.
Looking for Rough Opal for Sale in the UK?
If you’re ready to start cutting, I offer a range of hand‑selected rough opals, shipped directly from the UK. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cutter, I can help you choose the right piece.
Browse my current rough opal here
If you ever want advice before buying, just send me a message. I’m always happy to help.