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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Sept 27, 2015 10:09:49 GMT -5
I bought a few slabs at the show last weekend and was anxious to try them out. The Atlantisite looked like a great slab that would yield a few good cabs so I did not mind popping the $20 for it. I guess I should have done some research before messing with it though. I marked out four nice cabs and only one survived the basic cuts that I made to separate the cabs. This stuff is very fragile. I wised up on the last one and backed it with a very thin piece of glass. Here's some info I found online about Atlantisite: "Atlantisite (also called Tasmanite) is a relatively new discovery in the gem and mineral world. It is a unique combination of colors and includes the yellow-green matrix that holds a purple and green combination of Stichtite, only occurring in “Stichtite Hill” a small hilltop in Zeehan, Tasmania, where it is mined exclusively. Atlantisite is the high grade gem material containing Stichtite in Serpentine but in the gemstone also has chromite and magnetite. Atlantisite is a stable variety of the gem and is popular in the jewellery industry. The tradename Atlantisite was coined by Gerald Pauley and is the registered tradename for the variety of gem which comes from the specific mine in Tasmania."looked like a good plan frustration set in about now Glass backer added to the one survivor and groove cut It is stunning stuff if you manage to get one done though glass backer not really noticeable and back beveled 45 degrees Russian unakite Unknown I did some slabbing for tkvancil last week and this is a cab from the Montana agates he sent. Thanks for looking Chuck
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 27, 2015 13:18:06 GMT -5
That's a purdy slab of Atlantisite. Lots of stichtite. Sorry that it crumbled on you. That sucks. Of course, for grooving that backing made the most sense. I wonder.... and I'll check this myself next time... if a good water soak before cutting would help it stay together.
The rest of the cabs look great, too. I love that unknown!
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,186
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Post by jamesp on Sept 27, 2015 15:54:44 GMT -5
spectacular and different. Precision grinding Chuck.
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Post by orrum on Sept 27, 2015 16:06:48 GMT -5
Nice cab n great info!
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Sept 27, 2015 17:39:56 GMT -5
That's a purdy slab of Atlantisite. Lots of stichtite. Sorry that it crumbled on you. That sucks. Of course, for grooving that backing made the most sense. I wonder.... and I'll check this myself next time... if a good water soak before cutting would help it stay together. The rest of the cabs look great, too. I love that unknown! I actually like the glass backer. This will allow me to groove wrap thinner cabs and you see how close to the back I was able to get the groove. Never thought of soaking but I can see where that might help with soft brittle materials. Thanks! Chuck
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timloco
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2012
Posts: 545
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Post by timloco on Sept 27, 2015 20:31:40 GMT -5
That's a fascinating rock, Atlantisite. I don't think I've seen it before, it's unique. Loved the other cabs too.
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Thunder69
Cave Dweller
Thunder 2000-2015
Member since January 2009
Posts: 3,102
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Post by Thunder69 on Sept 28, 2015 20:27:10 GMT -5
Another fine batch ...John
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cccbock
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2011
Posts: 499
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Post by cccbock on Sept 29, 2015 14:57:46 GMT -5
looks a lot like ruby in fuchite
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meviva
Cave Dweller
Member since July 2013
Posts: 1,474
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Post by meviva on Sept 30, 2015 0:08:17 GMT -5
Awesome!! Love all of them!
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,688
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Post by Fossilman on Sept 30, 2015 10:04:10 GMT -5
Liking them all Chuck....Hate when cabs and etc bust on a guy...
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