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Post by BuiltonRock on Dec 3, 2008 9:53:56 GMT -5
I need some help please !
I tried to make my first cab from Rhodochrosite. The stuff I have is soft and looked great through the 600 belt. When I put is on the resin belts with diamond paste some white patches developed.
I am thinking this rock is so porous the paste may have gotten into the face of the stone???
Anybody know?
Thanks in advance. john
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RocknCritter
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 489
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Post by RocknCritter on Dec 3, 2008 11:07:27 GMT -5
Do you have an ultrasonic cleaner?
I had some quartz that soaked up lot's of diamond paste. I thought everything was a goner. A friend recommended an ultrasonic bath and it cleaned up everything.
If you don't have one, I got my for $30 on eBay. It really is amazing sometimes to see all the crud in the bottom of the tank after cleaning stuff that looks absolutely pristine.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,466
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Post by Sabre52 on Dec 3, 2008 13:48:41 GMT -5
Howdy John, I've only cut a few rhodochrosite cabs and all were from the banded form of rough that works up very much like travertine. I did find the the size of the crystals in the bands varied from band to band and some of the bands were more porous. I polished, then cleaned out any white from the optical tin oxide I used with a water pick and the stones came out looking good. Some of the stones seemed to lack these porous areas and polished up real well with no problems at all so I guess maybe that was better quality stuff. My only real complaint about the material is if you use it in any jewelry that gets a lot of rubbing, it's softness makes the finish dull to a matte finish very quickly....Mel
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Post by Michael John on Dec 3, 2008 14:47:05 GMT -5
Banded Rhodo is typically very pitted and porous. The finished pieces also break easily if they're thin and un-backed. Given these two "weaknesses", the best thing to do would be stabilization of the cleaned slab, before cutting or grinding.
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Post by BuiltonRock on Dec 3, 2008 16:11:00 GMT -5
Thanks RC, Mel and MJ
I don't have a sonic cleaner, but I will see what I can come up with. May grind back at the 12K level and have a close look! Thanks again! john
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