Elements and Performance Criteria
- Survey market requirements as a basis for making a decision on opal cutting strategy.
- Weigh opal and record information.
- Clean and orient opal to determine yields and shape.
- Make an assessment of the stone and consult with supervisor, colleagues, client or other appropriate persons.
- Rub down (clean) to expose the colour face using appropriate equipment.
- Determine best orientation for gemstone.
- Establish the top and bottom of the stone.
- Remove unwanted material.
- Check for internal flaws with powerful light source.
- Determine where to cut the stone (or stones) to maximise value taking yield and colour play into consideration and cut stone.
- Process opal to pre-form state.
- Follow OHS principles when operating machinery.