I'm curious... I've worked Coober pedy, boulder, lightning ridge, mintabie and some of that SA pink stuff... from this I think that from easiest to hardest:
Lightning ridge
Coober pedy
Mintabie
Boulder
SA pink stuff
I put that on the end because I haven't worked the pink opal much, but boulder I've noticed cuts at different rates because of different media in the same stone and the opal can crack when dopping.
Mintabie is fun but look at it and it will crack
Coober pedy will release big chunks of you don't manage your speed
Lightning ridge is what I learned on so I find it easiest.
What's your preference?
Interesting... My order would be a little different (just sticking to Aus). Fire Opal
Coober Pedy
White cliffs
Lightning Ridge
Andamooka
Boulder
Pink Opal
Mintabie
I think youre spot on๐