Opal encasement help. getting white scuzz

[PhantomCoral]

I've been encasing several opals today, and I am noticing that I'm getting a bit of white scuzz/haze on the opal where it first came into contact with the glass.

I've been dropping the opal in tubing, holding the tube vertical, and heating the the very tip until the opal tacks on to e tubing, then I hold the tube horizontal and melt the rest of the opal in. Somehow, that first step of tacking the opal on is making a bit of a haze on the face of the opal where it first made contact, while the rest of the opal comes out perfectly fine.

Any ideas what is causing is? Too hot for the tack? Too cold? I just don't understand why it is just the happening there and never anywhere else on the opal as it is being melted in.

[ApeironCreations]

May be a heat differential problem. I've done lapidary work in the past and when dopping rocks for wax seals they are generally pre heated somewhat. Try pre heating your tube and your opal a bit before encasement. Maybe set the opal on your punty rack in front of the kiln for a few minutes before encasing?

I'm not sure cause I've never done opals but it's something to consider.

[PhantomCoral]

Yep, I think you are right. I think it's a combo of the opal being too cold, and the initial tack heat being too high. Just tried another one with a preheated opal and was really slow with my first heat and it came out great.

[smolder holder]

Use a big bushy flame to bring both opal and glass to the same temp before encasement. You want them both to just barely start glowing before proceeding. Opal is in the tube for this. Also to avoid trapping air try tacking it on the side wall a little ways up from the end then start on the end of the tube and slowly work your way up. Hope that helps.

[ApeironCreations]

Haha Awesome!! Knowing multiple mediums and how to work them Win xD

[daveabr]

Some opal suppliers are selling the kyocera stuff. They tend to scuzz. Make sure your opals are TRULY gilson when ordering.

[istandalone24/7]

and make sure if you decide to finger fuck your opals, that you wash them with alcohol before using them. the oils from your hands can cause hazing issues too.

[CripSkillz]

I'd say shitty opals too,, I got 2 dif batches and one is just in usable skuzzrs every time,, the other comes out perf

[PhantomCoral]

They are Profound glass opals. They went straight from the bag they came in to the tube, so unless they come dirty, that shouldn't be the issue.