Mattatya
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2012
Posts: 452
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Post by Mattatya on Mar 10, 2014 20:01:08 GMT -5
I love finding old book ends at thrift shops. Lots of times its really good material but not good enough to slab so I sometimes break them down for good tumbling polishes. Today though I'm stumped on what this material is. I just grabbed it and haven't been home to scratch at it. The other issue is I think they polished it by spraying lots of glossy lacquer on it. It's very solid and I love the banding of sea green. It's definitely a keeper for slicing and cabbing. Any ideas on what it may be? The last photo on the bottom of in direct sun and gives off its true color. Thanks for looking and having a go at it. Matt Sent from my SPH-D710 using proboards
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
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Post by Sabre52 on Mar 10, 2014 21:40:00 GMT -5
Mexican travertine (calcite onyx) Huge cottage industry making stuff out of that material in Mexico. Whole stores full of it. Booth after booth used to be at Quartzite too......Mel
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Mattatya
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2012
Posts: 452
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Post by Mattatya on Mar 10, 2014 22:31:34 GMT -5
You are spot on Mel! It totally is... when I read you reply I said duh to myself. I like the bandings in it but have never attempted to cab and polish Onyx. Is it worth trying?
Matt
Sent from my SPH-D710 using proboards
Sent from my SPH-D710 using proboards
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Sabre52
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Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,464
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Post by Sabre52 on Mar 11, 2014 9:22:41 GMT -5
Matt, it works up fast and easy as a cab as it's pretty soft, but you have to take care in the final polish on the pads. It's pretty heat sensitive and will crack if you get it too hot. I speak from experience *L*. I had the most fantastic cab going and had it totally shatter on me from overheating. Really pissed me off.....Mel
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Mattatya
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2012
Posts: 452
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Post by Mattatya on Mar 11, 2014 19:18:33 GMT -5
Thanks Mel, I think it was worth the $5 with the chill swirl pattern. Would you suggest leather, felt our muslin for polish? On flat lap or polish step by hand. I read tin oxide does good with onyx?.
Wow 20 questions lol
Your the best, Matt
Sent from my SPH-D710 using proboards
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,464
Member is Online
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Post by Sabre52 on Mar 11, 2014 20:10:55 GMT -5
Matt, I used optical grade tin or optical cerium on a flat leather pad. Wet just enough to provide some drag against the leather and don't let it get hot. Travertine takes a great mirror polish with ease....Mel
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Deleted
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Member since January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2014 23:22:22 GMT -5
Matt we polish similar materials at school with tin on carpet. It's pretty easy to polish compared to say Jade or some jaspers.
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Mattatya
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2012
Posts: 452
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Post by Mattatya on Mar 12, 2014 1:08:55 GMT -5
Thanks Mel and Scott for your help.
I'm cleaning out my 9in saw from trying it out with oil and switching to water. Now that the weather is warming up I'm hoping to break in the saw blade for a 2nd time and have my way with these.
You guys are the best! Cheers, Matt
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