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Post by Peruano on Aug 7, 2023 14:33:59 GMT -5
I am fascinated by the bizarre shapes and curves of chalcedony bodies found around volcanic formations despite the fact that they are often fouled with dirt, algae, and discolorations. I've been trying to shape them to more attractive forms with my trim saw, and then cleaning and polishing them with a minisonic tumbler and subsequently with dremel and self devised polishing devices. Here are a few examples that have passed through my hands after 5 days in the tumblers. The in progress stones are shown wet and yes need more cleaning action. 20220311_082631 by Thomas Fritts, on Flickr 20220315_133215 by Thomas Fritts, on Flickr Polised by Thomas Fritts, on Flickr So far diamond bits and hard wood dowls dipped in various grits are working best of getting into crevices, but clearly I've got work to do on some of these and the other 50 or so that I didn't burden the message with.
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Post by velodromed on Aug 7, 2023 15:26:36 GMT -5
Those are beautiful. I love formations like that also and clean them up first in 20% strength vinegar (2-3 day soak), then into the sonic cleaner. I also use small picks and will sometimes run them through the vibe for a few hours with borax and water. I haven’t tried to trim some of the difficult parts yet.
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pebblesky
fully equipped rock polisher
Purchased another UV mini bowl for tumbling
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,442
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Post by pebblesky on Dec 19, 2023 13:28:15 GMT -5
Wow these already look very clean to me! They are so lovely.
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iamchris
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2023
Posts: 676
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Post by iamchris on Dec 19, 2023 13:50:54 GMT -5
I received some of these as filler back when I first got started. I'm embarrassed to say I tried to tumble them.
Glad I get to witness what they look like when treated properly!
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Post by HankRocks on Dec 19, 2023 16:28:32 GMT -5
I have managed to tumble them by using about 50% pea gravel in the batch. They really do have some neat shapes. If I can find the really unique I have polished will post pics. These are all from the Round Mt collecting area in Arizona. The ones picture were run 3 or 4 times thru 1st stage. After that I have been less aggressive with them and only running one time through 1st stage. DSC_0127 by Findrocks, on Flickr
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pebblesky
fully equipped rock polisher
Purchased another UV mini bowl for tumbling
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,442
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Post by pebblesky on Dec 19, 2023 16:58:41 GMT -5
Are the pieces with caramel colors part of the fire agates? I love these egg shaped chalcedony roses. The white and clear chalcedony veins look so intriguing.
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jone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2023
Posts: 106
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Post by jone on Dec 19, 2023 19:28:46 GMT -5
Those first pictures remind me of earlobes and other unspeakable parts of the human anatomy....
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Dec 20, 2023 17:57:25 GMT -5
did these in my mini sonic. They shine beautifully and the vibe really retains their character
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Post by Peruano on Dec 20, 2023 18:20:45 GMT -5
Chalcedony roses are like graduate students. You never know how they will turn out but some are spectacular The vibe is sure useful in treating them and you should not be afraid of roughing them up. They are made tough.
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Post by Peruano on Dec 20, 2023 18:34:44 GMT -5
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