Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

CUVOPA01B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Identify and describe opal

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency CUVOPA01B - Identify and describe opal
Description This unit encompasses the skills and knowledge to identify opal from various sources, describe the type of opal and apply the principles of valuation.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit requires the application of knowledge and skills to identify and apply valuing principles to different types of opal based on sound understanding of how opal is formed, where it is found and the characteristics of the gemstones. The work is done in line with industry practice and may be applied in a range of environments from cutting and polishing to retailing, wholesaling, selling on the Internet or mining.Where appropriate the outcomes of this unit could be contextualised to apply to other gemstones. Examples of aspects of the unit that may need to be adjusted would include:the specific properties of each gemstonesindustry and market requirementsunderpinning knowledge Range Statement.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites This unit may be assessed on its own or it may be assessed with other units that cover related skills and knowledge.Evidence is most relevant when provided through an integrated activity which combines the Elements of competency for the unit, or a cluster of units of competency.
Competency Field Opal cutting and polishing
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Develop knowledge of opal geology.
  • Identify the geological conditions suitable for the formationof opal and explain the theories of opal formation.
  • Determine sources of opal worldwide and locations of opal fields in Australia.
       
Element: Apply the principles of grading and quality assessment to opal.
  • Identify the principles used for valuing opals in terms of:
       
Element: base and background colours
       
Element: the predominant colours and patterns
       
Element: other factors that influence an opal's value.
  • Apply principles of valuing to determine the potential value of opals.
       
Element: Distinguish natural opal from man-made varieties.
  • Determine thegemmological characteristics of opal based on knowledge of varieties of opal found worldwide.
  • Select gemmological instruments to authenticate natural opal.
  • Use the selected instruments to authenticate opal.
  • Identify substances used to simulate opal and synthetic opal-like substances and compare their characteristics to natural opal.
       
Element: Identify and describe the different types of opal using correct opal nomenclature and terminology.
  • Identify opals of various types and describe them using correct terminology.
  • Develop a general awareness of types of opal treatments and determine which are acceptable in the industry.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm accurate identification and description of the characteristics of the different types of opal using correct terminology and equipment in a variety of work environments, and the ability to apply principles of valuation and determine the authenticity of opal materials.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed in a work environment, in a simulated work environment or in a combination of these situations.

Method of assessment

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.

Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills and other methods as required.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Competence in this unit must be assessed over a period of time in order to ensure consistency of performance over the range of variables and contexts applicable to the work environment.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills:

communication skills to describe and document identification information

basic research skills

skills in using gemmological equipment.

Required knowledge:

industry sources of information

valuation systems

functions of various industry sectors, for example mining dealing, manufacturing jewellery etc

accepted terminology.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Formation of opal may include:

opal combining with other minerals

opal formed in a sedimentary deposit

opal formed in a volcanic deposit (Igneous)

opal formed in erratic boulders

opal formed in replacement cavities (nobbies, glauberite xls.)

opal formed in seams

opal formed in volcanic and erosion sediments

opal replacing fossils

opal replacing wood.

Sources of opal worldwide may include:

Australia

Brazil

Hawaii

Indonesia

Mexico

Slovakia

USA.

Locations of opal fields in Australia may include:

New South Wales - Lightning Ridge, White Cliffs

Queensland - various places including Winton, Quilpie, Jundah, Yowah

South Australia - Coober Pedy, Mintabie, Andamooka.

Base and background colours may include:

black

boulder - ironstone

dark

light.

Predominant colours and patterns may include:

colours such as but not limited to:

blue

green

orange

red

violet

yellow

patterns such as but not limited to:

broad

Chinese writing

flagstone

harlequin

peacock tail

pin fire

rolling flash

sheen

straw.

Other factors that influence an opal's value may include:

availability of supply

economic climate

mining restrictions

origin

political situation

rarity

weight

whether the sale is wholesale or retail.

Principles of valuing may include:

body colour

brilliance

inclusion/imperfections

pattern

play of colour

predominant colour

quality of cut (shape/proportions)

shape

size/weight

thickness of colour bar

type.

The gemmological characteristics may include:

chemical composition

colour

fracture

hardness

phosphorescence

refractive index

specific gravity.

Gemmological instruments may include:

microscope

refractometer

S.G. scales

standard 10X loupe

ultraviolet lamps

also the naked eye gives a good judgment.

Natural opal is classified as:

common opal and potch - opal which does not exhibit a play of colour

precious opal - exhibiting a play of colour.

Substances used to simulate opal and synthetic opal-like substances may include:

simulants - Gilson opal

synthetics - for example plastics; slocum stone.

Opals of various types may include:

composite natural opal - doublets; triplets; mosaic and chip opals

natural opal type 1 (opal in one piece in its natural state apart from cutting and polishing)

natural opal type 2 - opal naturally attached to the host rock - boulder opal

natural opal type 3 - opal intimately diffused as infilling in pores or between the grains of the host rock - matrix opal

varieties of opal:
(N1 to N9 represents gradation from black to white in approximately 10% intervals)

black - opal which shows a play of colour within or on a black or very dark body tone (N1,N2, N3, N4)

dark - opal which shows a play of colour within or on a dark body tone (N5, N6)

light - opal which shows a play of colour within or on a light body tone (N7, N8, N9).

Opal treatments may include:

treatments applied to improve appearance, structure or durability

Note: Any treatment other than cutting and polishing must be disclosed.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify the geological conditions suitable for the formationof opal and explain the theories of opal formation. 
Determine sources of opal worldwide and locations of opal fields in Australia. 
Identify the principles used for valuing opals in terms of: 
 
 
Apply principles of valuing to determine the potential value of opals. 
Determine thegemmological characteristics of opal based on knowledge of varieties of opal found worldwide. 
Select gemmological instruments to authenticate natural opal. 
Use the selected instruments to authenticate opal. 
Identify substances used to simulate opal and synthetic opal-like substances and compare their characteristics to natural opal. 
Identify opals of various types and describe them using correct terminology. 
Develop a general awareness of types of opal treatments and determine which are acceptable in the industry. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUVOPA01B - Identify and describe opal
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Assessment Record Sheet

CUVOPA01B - Identify and describe opal

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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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