Part 4: Getting Started with Opal Cutting – A Beginner’s Guide to Rough, Tools & Safety
Opal cutting is one of the most rewarding hobbies for those who love gemstones, craftsmanship, and the thrill of discovery. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of beautiful stones and flashy tools, it’s crucial to approach opal cutting with patience, preparation, and respect for the stone — and yourself.
This beginner’s guide will help you start your opal cutting journey safely and confidently, covering the fundamentals of selecting your first rough opal, setting up a suitable workspace, understanding the basics of tools, and essential safety practices.
Remember: this is a beginner’s guide, and future articles in this series will dive deeper into tools, cutting techniques, and polishing processes. For now, let’s focus on getting you started on the right foot.
Choosing the Right Opal Rough for Beginners
Start Simple, Start Affordable
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is buying expensive, high-quality opal rough right at the start. Opal is an unpredictable stone. Cracks, sand inclusions, and hidden potch can surprise even the most experienced cutter.
For beginners, the best approach is to start with inexpensive, stable rough that allows you to practice without fear of ruining costly material. Coober Pedy seam opal and offcuts are perfect for this purpose. Ask the seller for Coober Pedy Practice Material which will have little to no colour and aim for stones greater than 10 carats. These stones are relatively easy to work with, more forgiving of beginner mistakes, and can still yield satisfying results. A great place to start.
Stay away from:
- Thin seams of fragile opal
- Any Lightning Ridge opal (until your skills are developed) and you are educated on selecting opal that will cut versus rubbish opal that will never cut. There are a lot of sellers, selling absolute rubbish stones that you will never be able to cut.
- Boulder opal (which requires more advanced techniques). Hard to cut with a dremel
How Much Rough Should You Start With?
Aim to start with a handful of affordable practice stones. This gives you enough material to learn from your mistakes without breaking the bank. It also removes the pressure of trying to get everything right on your first stone.
Setting Up a Beginner Friendly Workspace
You Don’t Need a Fancy Workshop
Many beginners believe they need a high-end lapidary workshop to start cutting opal. The truth is, you don’t — but you do need a safe and suitable environment.
Do not cut or sand opal inside your home, especially not at your kitchen table or in enclosed living spaces. Even if you’re using water, silica dust can still settle on furniture, shelves, and everything nearby. When disturbed, this dust becomes airborne again and can be inhaled — often without you realising it. Silica dust is deadly and long-term exposure can lead to serious lung disease.
Instead, set up your workspace:
- Outdoors where airflow naturally disperses dust
- In a well ventilated shed or garage with extraction fans or open windows
- Use water to control dust at the source.
Important: Never use water directly with a Dremel or any electrical device. If you're using a Dremel, always use a flexi shaft attachment to keep the motor unit away from water and reduce the risk of electric shock.
Key workspace features:
- Good lighting: Natural light is ideal, but a bright LED desk lamp works well.
- Stable surface: A sturdy table where you can safely secure your tools and water trays.
- Water management: Wet cutting is essential. Always keep the stone and tools wet while cutting or sanding.
- Clean environment: Keep your workspace tidy and free of clutter. Clean up slurry and dust with damp cloths, never dry sweeping or blowing.
Bottom line: Safety comes before convenience. Don’t risk your health by cutting indoors. Treat opal dust like the serious hazard it is — because it is.
Safety for Beginners
Silica Dust – The Hidden Danger
One of the most critical aspects of cutting opal is understanding the risks of silica dust. Grinding or cutting opal dry releases fine silica particles that can cause silicosis, an irreversible lung disease. This is not a scare tactic — it’s a serious, well documented health hazard.
Don't let this scare you off, as long as you put safety first, it is a safe, relaxing and rewarding hobby.
Golden rule: Always cut and grind opal wet.
- Use water trays
- Keep your stone wet at all times
- Regularly check your setup to avoid dry spots
Essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
At a minimum, beginners should always use:
- Respirator mask (P2 or N95 rated) – protects from fine dust
- Safety glasses or face shield – prevents eye injuries from flying chips
- Splash guards or aprons – keeps water and slurry off your clothes and skin
While gloves can be helpful when handling rough stones, never wear gloves when using rotary tools or machinery, as they can catch and cause injury.
Respect the Tools and the Process
Treat your tools and the stone with care. Don’t rush, don’t force cuts, and don’t cut when you’re tired or distracted. Mistakes often happen when you lose focus.
Preparing Your Mindset for Success
Patience Is Key
Opal cutting is not about speed — it’s about patience, observation, and slow progress. Accept that your first stones may not be perfect. They may crack, chip, or end up smaller than expected.
These are not failures — they are lessons.
Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Result
Many beginners focus only on the finished stone. But the true joy of opal cutting comes from the process — the planning, the shaping, the subtle changes as the colour emerges.
Treat each stone as an opportunity to learn, not just a product to finish.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Social media is full of cutters showing off flawless opals. Remember, you’re seeing the highlights, not the mistakes. Focus on your own journey, celebrate your progress, and share your wins (and fails) with others who understand the journey.
Conclusion – You’re Ready to Start (Carefully)
Cutting opal is an incredibly rewarding hobby, but it demands respect, patience, and preparation. By starting with affordable rough, setting up a safe workspace, and using the right safety practices, you are already ahead of many beginners who jump in too quickly.
In Part 5 of this series, we’ll explore the essential tools every beginner needs, where to buy them, and how to set up a simple, effective cutting station.
But for now, remember:
- Start simple
- Stay safe
- Enjoy the process
Your opal cutting journey has begun.
