Modification History
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Version |
Comments |
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CUVOPA204A |
This version first released with CUV11 Visual Arts, Craft and Design Training Package version 1.0 |
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to cut and polish a solid opal to make a finished cabochon or other shape from a pre-formed stone.
Application of the Unit
The skills and knowledge covered by this unit are applied in a workshop environment and include all phases of the process for cutting a variety of opal shapes to accepted industry standards and using equipment safely.
Where appropriate the outcomes of this unit could be contextualised to apply to other gemstones.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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Element |
Performance Criteria |
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Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
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1. Prepare to cut an opal solid |
1.1 Identify and obtain consumables required for cutting an opal solid 1.2 Select tools and equipment to be used 1.3 Determine jewellers’ cutting angle requirements 1.4 Dop pre-form on appropriate dop stick using wax or adhesive as appropriate 1.5 Follow general OHS principles and safe operating procedures when using tools, equipment, machinery and consumables for opal cutting |
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2. Cut and polish top surface of opal |
2.1 Fine grind shape and dome ensuring continuity of contour and maintaining jewellers’ setting angles 2.2 Sand opal to remove grinding marks using appropriate sanding papers or diamond wheel 2.3 Polish top surface of opal with polishing compound to a high lustre |
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3. Cut and polish back surface of opal |
3.1 Remove stone from dop, turn over and replace on dop checking alignment 3.2 Grind the back of the stone to jewellers’ standards maintaining continuity of form and alignment 3.3 Sand to remove grinding marks and polish if required 3.4 Remove the stone from the dop and clean the stone |
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4. Treat opal specimen |
4.1 Select opal specimen for treatment and check to ensure it will benefit from treatment 4.2 Grind, sand and polish selected area 4.3 Treat the selected area 4.4 Clean or neutralise as required |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.
Required skills
- planning and organising skills to plan work logically
- problem-solving skills to identify and address common cutting and polishing problems
- numeracy skills to use numerical features of machinery
- technical skills to cut and polish opals using correct technique.
Required knowledge
- characteristics of opal gemstone structure
- processes and consumables needed for cutting and polishing opals
- safety issues associated with opal cutting and polishing machinery.
Evidence Guide
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.
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the ability to:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure access to an opal-cutting workshop with stones and equipment. |
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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:
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). |
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Guidance information for assessment |
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended. |
Range Statement
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.
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Consumables may include: |
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Equipment may involve: |
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Jewellers’ cutting angle requirements may include: |
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General OHS principles and safe operating procedures may include: |
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Shape and dome may include: |
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Treatment may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Opal cutting and polishing
