choochoorocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rock hounding
Member since April 2020
Posts: 147
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Post by choochoorocks on Jul 18, 2022 23:47:35 GMT -5
Hi guys,
I recently visited Graveyard Point. I have some tumbler sized pieces of agate, some with plumes. I did a 3lb tumbler load of pieces that don't have holes or at most have shallow holes that I can clean out. After one week, I noticed that the plume ones still look fine, although one of them gives me the impression that the plumy parts might be too soft and will soon pit excessively in the tumbler as I continue tumbling. What do you guys think? Are plume agates tumble-able? Or should I stop wasting my time and remove them from the load now?
Thanks!
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Post by aDave on Jul 19, 2022 0:20:52 GMT -5
Hi guys, I recently visited Graveyard Point. I have some tumbler sized pieces of agate, some with plumes. I did a 3lb tumbler load of pieces that don't have holes or at most have shallow holes that I can clean out. After one week, I noticed that the plume ones still look fine, although one of them gives me the impression that the plumy parts might be too soft and will soon pit excessively in the tumbler as I continue tumbling. What do you guys think? Are plume agates tumble-able? Or should I stop wasting my time and remove them from the load now? Thanks! I moved your thread for you. You can always give it a shot, but there's a very high likelihood that the plume may undercut and go away as soon as it's exposed. I'm answering this never having tried to do it before...
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jimmie
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2021
Posts: 233
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Post by jimmie on Jul 19, 2022 12:31:03 GMT -5
I would. I have some tumbling now.better to have tried and failed , then not have tried at all, or something like that.go for it!
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,792
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Post by gemfeller on Jul 19, 2022 13:10:22 GMT -5
Depends on the plumes. The white plumes from that location are generally opal which is softer than agate and will probably undercut. Other plume colors vary depending on their makeup. The ones with marcasite will definitely undercut.
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Post by nowyo on Jul 20, 2022 15:29:35 GMT -5
I'll agree, it depends on the piece. I've tumbled some that turned out really well, though.
Russ
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Post by stardiamond on Jul 20, 2022 19:25:06 GMT -5
I don't tumble but had some tumbled Stinking Water slabs that I cut as cabs. Stinking water comes in different quality and the best is with a lot of clear agate and distinct plumes. The material that is mainly plumes is softer and doesn't grind as well. I imagine the clear agate to plume ration will effect how it tumbles.
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choochoorocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rock hounding
Member since April 2020
Posts: 147
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Post by choochoorocks on Jul 21, 2022 0:52:32 GMT -5
Alright, sounds like there is a chance to get something nice... I'll give it a shot!
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jimmie
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2021
Posts: 233
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Post by jimmie on Jul 21, 2022 4:27:14 GMT -5
The plume agate I tumbled was stinking water plume, turned out very nice.
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