Hi John;
Was @ Peacock Mine May 15 thru June 15, 2006 and was told to follow these steps.
To stabilize your opal: take opal from its water bath, place opal in a small closable glass container, add mineral oil to container until opal is submerged, after one month begin slowly removing oil until opal is oil moistened but no longer submerged, keep opal surface oil moistened for 3 to 4 months minimum, clean surface with dental picks to remove excess clay & debris, then remove rine (with Genie if possible). Continue to moisten surface of opal with mineral oil. The mineral oil acts to leach the water from the opal and replaces the water thereby preventing cracking. Procedure will take 8 to 12 months depending on opal size & shape to be done safetly and prevent cracking.
Best wishes, see you next year @ the Peacock,
Nancy (redhead w/ big RV)
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