Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:06 PM AWST
22/07/2026 8:06 PM 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.
Use opal carving tools
Use opal carving tools
Unit of competency
National Code
CUVOPA401A
CUVOPA401A
State Code
S7692
S7692
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
70
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to carve opal, including all the processes from the selection of the piece of opal to the completed polished carving.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Select the stone and clarify the required outcome
- 1.1 Review available pieces of rough opal to determine the suitability or necessity for carving
- 1.2 Assess the potential of pieces of opal for carving depending on the shape, size, position of the colour, and other characteristics of the stone
- 1.3 Rub the stone, removing foreign materials and eliminating faults
- 1.4 Discuss the potential for enhancing stone with colleagues and client
- 1.5 Determine the approach to be taken to achieve the potential of the stone and maximise the value of the finished product
2. Select tools, equipment and materials
- 2.1 Select carving tools and equipment needed to achieve the desired result
- 2.2 Select consumables for sanding and polishing the carving
- 2.3 Determine OHS issues and comply with OHS procedures when using the equipment and consumables
3. Carve opal
- 3.1 Clean the stone, removing foreign materials and eliminating faults
- 3.2 Grind stone to desired shape using high speed fine grit burr and accommodating existing colour and patterns
- 3.3 Ensure opal is not heated
- 3.4 Sand carving with suitable sanding mediums, from coarse to extra fine
4. Polish the carving
- 4.1 Polish entire carving with polishing compound
- 4.2 Use magnification to check the finished carving for faults and if necessary rectify faults
5. Ensure that industry standards are satisfied
- 5.1 Check the carving to ensure that industry practice and expectations are satisfied
- 5.2 Correct any faults or defects if required
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.
Carving tools may include:
assorted mandrels
coarse, medium, fine and extra fine wheels
diamond grinding burrs of assorted shapes
diamond polishing wheels of assorted shapes
diamond sanding wheels of assorted shapes
felt polishing buffs
sanding discs, assorted grit sizes and diameters
silicon carbide grinding burrs of assorted shapes
supporting equipment:
drip feed watering system
dust extraction system
wooden polishing buffs.
Carving equipment may include:
air power tools
centre point carvers
flexible drive
hobby carvers
micro motor
personal protective equipment (PPE).
OHS issues for carving may include:
contamination
eye protection
guarding
keeping a clean work area
minimising dust inhalation
maintaining equipment
unattended running machinery.
Sanding mediums may include:
coarse, medium, fine and extra fine wheels of assorted shapes
diamond powders up to #1200 on felt/wooden wheels
pumice powders on felt wheels
sandpaper wheels and discs up to #1200, assorted sizes
silicon carbide powders up to #1200 on felt/wooden wheels.
Polishing compounds may include:
cerium oxide on felt, leather or wooden wheels or discs
diamond compounds from #1200 to #100,000
tin oxide.
Industry practice and expectations may relate to:
no sharp or protruding areas
when shaping, keep the setting into jewellery in mind
very high polish
no grinding marks or sanding marks on surface
no cracks or obvious inclusions that should have been removed with initial grinding
avoiding making the carving too large
considering how strength of colour may affect the need for detail.
Carving tools may include:
assorted mandrels
coarse, medium, fine and extra fine wheels
diamond grinding burrs of assorted shapes
diamond polishing wheels of assorted shapes
diamond sanding wheels of assorted shapes
felt polishing buffs
sanding discs, assorted grit sizes and diameters
silicon carbide grinding burrs of assorted shapes
supporting equipment:
drip feed watering system
dust extraction system
wooden polishing buffs.
Carving equipment may include:
air power tools
centre point carvers
flexible drive
hobby carvers
micro motor
personal protective equipment (PPE).
OHS issues for carving may include:
contamination
eye protection
guarding
keeping a clean work area
minimising dust inhalation
maintaining equipment
unattended running machinery.
Sanding mediums may include:
coarse, medium, fine and extra fine wheels of assorted shapes
diamond powders up to #1200 on felt/wooden wheels
pumice powders on felt wheels
sandpaper wheels and discs up to #1200, assorted sizes
silicon carbide powders up to #1200 on felt/wooden wheels.
Polishing compounds may include:
cerium oxide on felt, leather or wooden wheels or discs
diamond compounds from #1200 to #100,000
tin oxide.
Industry practice and expectations may relate to:
no sharp or protruding areas
when shaping, keep the setting into jewellery in mind
very high polish
no grinding marks or sanding marks on surface
no cracks or obvious inclusions that should have been removed with initial grinding
avoiding making the carving too large
considering how strength of colour may affect the need for detail.
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:
select opal pieces suitable for carving
carve the opal using opal carving equipment to industry standard
polish the carving according to industry standards.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
carving and polishing equipment
tools and consumables.
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 finished pieces
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:
select opal pieces suitable for carving
carve the opal using opal carving equipment to industry standard
polish the carving according to industry standards.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
carving and polishing equipment
tools and consumables.
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 finished pieces
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 |