I identified an opal as being synthetic when it was genuine. I've never seen brushstrokes look like chicken wire before. In all the examples I studied this came as the biggest surprise to me. Again, I am very pleased to have made all the other I.D.'s correct, and this time my paper work was complete:P Back to the old drawing board. 3rd time's a charm??? ~S
Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2005 10:56 am Posts: 6461 Location: The frozen north prairie :-/
Hey, Stoney ... Wonder if you had the same opal I did?! I marked it as synthetic and was told it was natural. I argued that it had "chicken wire" structure. The instructor looked at it and admitted it was an unusual stone that could be mistaken for synthetic, so he gave that to me. Unfortunately, I had changed a correct answer to an incorrect answer on another stone. I did that three times!! So don't feel too bad. You'll get it!!
_________________ IIJA Registered Gemologist GIA Graduate Gemologist
Thanks Barbara. This little hobby of mine has just taken over my life (and my hubby's life). Plus, I'm missing out on a lot of drinking time with my friends. If I can't finish this coarse by the time we move to Australia in December, I'm afraid I won't finish at all.
When I did my exam, the best advice I got was to turn all the stones in, then do a careful check of each ID against the book, to ensure I'd dotted all the T's and crossed the I's (or something like that
I'm seriously dyslexic, and an INTJ which means I couldn't see the details even if I cared about them. I'd get exactly the right identification, but have it marked wrong for clerical reasons. Going over everything AFTER the stones were handed back meant I could carefully check my work but not be able to second guess the answer.
Much success to you!
Lisa
I'm an ISFP, so I sometimes fail to draw logical conclusions. (The tests tell me I'm actually ENFP, but I've disregarded that nonsense.)
It's the Myers Briggs system of 16 personality types.
I'm an Introverted iNtuitive Thinker Judger. The system is based on how you are, not how you behave. I have a well developed extrovert suit, which I zip up as needed but I'm an off the charts introvert.
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2015 7:15 pm Posts: 109 Location: Alberta
Hey I know this is old but I just wanted to say hi! I am a new member and saw that your from Edmonton. I'm from Grande Prairie so we are about 5 hours away from each other if your not familiar with where GP is! I just thought it was cool. I am just getting into collecting gems and learning about them so I won't be of much use knowledge wise but I can definitely relate with the cold weather! cheers!
Hi there. Of course I've been to Grand Prairie. Welcome. Enjoy the fun folks on this site. Lots of new info and stunning pictures. Let me know if you ever get down to Edmonton. -S
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