Opal question.

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Kane
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I got asked today what the technical term for fossicking for opals is.
I am sure I have heard it several times, but for the life of me can't remember what it is.
Any help please? ???
 
DrDuck said:
Mate, are you thinking of noodling - the usual term for fossicking in opal mullock.
That's it.
Thank you.

I'll pass that on. ( and make my mate think I'm smart ) :p
 
We use a couple different fossicking terms, though these are fairly generalised across the opal fields around Aus.

Specking is what it is just simply fossicking by eye, but Noodling is the term used when you take two bits of timber board and gently crush the opal dirt looking for opal nobbies (which will generally not crush down under the light pressure used to powderise the dried opal clays). This came from the early days all prior to wet/dry rumblers and modern day agitator wash plants coming to the opal fields in the late 60's. The opal level was dumped on the surface and left to dry out to then be noodled through.

Hope that sheds a little light on the topic :Y:

Cheers,
Shauno.
 

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