Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:53 AM AWST
22/07/2026 1:53 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Apply advanced pre-cutting processes to complex opals
Apply advanced pre-cutting processes to complex opals
Unit of competency
National Code
CUVOPA407A
CUVOPA407A
State Code
S7698
S7698
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/11/2014
Field of Education
100307 - Jewellery Making
Original Release Date
06/11/2014
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to perform the pre-cutting processes for boulder and other special opals. It includes documenting and recording all aspects of the procurement and pre-cutting process.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify type of opal rough
- 1.1 Undertake preliminary investigations before deciding how to proceed with cutting or carving the opal
- 1.2 Review current market requirements and consult with client to determine his/her preference for how opal could be cut
- 1.3 Based on knowledge of the geological formation of opal, field from which the opal came and past experience, determine the location of the colour within the rough opal
- 1.4 Discuss possible strategies for cutting with colleagues and client as required
- 1.5 Determine jewellers’ requirements for products being considered
- 1.6 Review the options for cutting and plan cut to achieve the best result
2. Block off the stone (boulder opal)
- 2.1 When working with boulder opal, use a series of cuts to block off stone to gain more information about position and quality of the opal present in the stone and determine best gem outcomes from that piece of boulder
- 2.2 Identify position of opal and minimise waste when making cuts
- 2.3 If appropriate, split block opal along fault lines
3. Expose the colour
- 3.1 Use appropriate equipment to expose the colour without removing gem material
- 3.2 Select the correct grinding wheels and grits for a given piece
4. Decide on whether to cut and/or carve the opal
- 4.1 Review the stone, determine the directionality and decide on the final outcome to be achieved
- 4.2 Remove unwanted material and prepare the stone for final processing
- 4.3 Select the way to cut the stone for the best artistic and commercial return
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.
Appropriate equipment may include:
Asahi wheel
diamond grinder
diamond sawing
free-hand saw
nova wheel
silicon carbide grinder
slab saw
trim saw.
Unwanted material may include:
cotton and gypsum
cracked material
crockery
iron stone
materials with inclusions or stains
matrix (in black opal as a unwanted inclusion)
poor colour
potch
sandstone.
Appropriate equipment may include:
Asahi wheel
diamond grinder
diamond sawing
free-hand saw
nova wheel
silicon carbide grinder
slab saw
trim saw.
Unwanted material may include:
cotton and gypsum
cracked material
crockery
iron stone
materials with inclusions or stains
matrix (in black opal as a unwanted inclusion)
poor colour
potch
sandstone.
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.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
make sound decisions about the final outcome to be achieved and complete all pre-cutting and pre-forming processes for boulder, black and especially valuable or difficult opals
demonstrate knowledge of geological formation and structure of opal.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this unit requires access to an opal-cutting workshop.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of processes and procedures
oral and/or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills
evaluation of the final product
review of portfolios of evidence
review of third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by candidate.
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).
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
make sound decisions about the final outcome to be achieved and complete all pre-cutting and pre-forming processes for boulder, black and especially valuable or difficult opals
demonstrate knowledge of geological formation and structure of opal.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this unit requires access to an opal-cutting workshop.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of processes and procedures
oral and/or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills
evaluation of the final product
review of portfolios of evidence
review of third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by candidate.
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).
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended.
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D669 | CUV40611 | Certificate IV in Opal Cutting and Polishing | Qualification |