Why buy from people who deal direct from mines?
Generally, opal is more expensive when bought at the source. We have people we buy from who know the field, the mine depth, and how it’s mined. There is also a historical perspective on some fields as far as stability is concerned. For instance, opal from the Mehi field or 19 mile is considered unstable. Also, opal found more than 50 ft deep is not considered as stable, due to the release of pressure. Pressure keeps the water in the opal until it’s brought up from the mine. Then it can crack or craze as the pressure releases. That’s why we buy from long term associates who know or try to find out where the opal is mined.
