hypodactylus
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2021
Posts: 467
|
Post by hypodactylus on Oct 10, 2022 21:16:14 GMT -5
I know my output is pretty low and I am still trying to figure out how best to photograph shiny rocks, but I thought I'd share some photos of my most recent 'finished' batch (well technically two batches that finished the same day). I say 'finished' because some of these will end up getting re-tumbled due to some unexpected bruising problems. One of the batches contained larger than normal rocks and was the first I have completed using a larger (QT6/QT12) barrel. I was surprised to see extensive sub-surface bruising. You can easily see it if you enlarge some of the photos (just click on them), especially the first Utah Pigeon Blood solo shot. I tend to overfill the barrel already and used ceramic media in all stages after stage 1 (which lasted months for some of these rocks). I am not sure if the bruising occurred in stage one or later (or all) stages. If anyone has advice on the bruising, please send it my way. The Utah Pigeon Blood Agates seem especially prone to bruising. Anyhow, I know the tumbles aren't perfect. These are actually from my stash of "B" grade tumbling rocks; rocks that have pits, cracks, etc that will never really go away. This doesn't mean they are not pretty, on the contrary! It just means they are less 'perfect'. These are all rotary tumbled, I don't own a vibe. I did not find these myself. I acquired these from a guy who has fun selling his father's old collection. Click on any photo for a linked larger version (Imgur). 1: Group shot - Not the whole batch(es), just a selection. 2: Group shot with ruler for scale. 3 - 6: Utah Plume / Pigeon Blood Agate 7: Henry Mountain Utah Petrified Wood 8 - 9: Unknown Utah Moss Agate 10 -11: Nevada Jasper 12: Unknown Golden Agate (presumably from Utah) 13 - 16: Utah Plume / Pigeon Blood Agate 17: Marvy Agate (as named by the person I got this from) 18 - 20: Utah Agatized Barite 21 - 22: Utah Red Horn Coral
|
|
|
Post by Pat on Oct 10, 2022 21:33:50 GMT -5
Wow! Pretty collection. Thanks.
|
|
vance71975
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since September 2022
Posts: 760
|
Post by vance71975 on Oct 10, 2022 22:26:44 GMT -5
those are AWESOME!!!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by rockjunquie on Oct 10, 2022 22:33:39 GMT -5
You did a fine job on some beautiful materials.
|
|
|
Post by pebblesky on Oct 10, 2022 22:50:47 GMT -5
These are very beautiful rocks and they are big! The photography that shows a lot of details is super satisfying. My favorite is this, rosy clouds in the radiant sky, speechless:
|
|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Oct 11, 2022 8:21:47 GMT -5
I think you did an amazing job on the tumble and polish...and whatever it is you're trying to "figure out" about taking pictures of shiny rocks...well...I think you nailed it as those pictures look fantastic!!
|
|
rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
|
Post by rocknewb101 on Oct 11, 2022 10:03:59 GMT -5
Wow - these are just stunning. The 'pictures' inside are gorgeous. I can not wait until I have the skill level to have rocks that are this polished. Like I'd literally stare at them all day haha...
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2022 12:38:04 GMT -5
Those look amazing! Great job on them. They are so pretty!
|
|
dshanpnw
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2020
Posts: 1,078
|
Post by dshanpnw on Oct 11, 2022 12:55:57 GMT -5
Wow and Wow! That's quite a lovely batch of rocks even with the imperfections. Great job! One of my favorite types of rocks is moss agate, but that Nevada jasper is just remarkably stripey and colorful, amazing. Thanks for sharing.
|
|
hypodactylus
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2021
Posts: 467
|
Post by hypodactylus on Oct 11, 2022 17:13:41 GMT -5
Here is a better look at what I am referring to as 'bruising' (maybe I am using the wrong term): I assume these marks (not the cracks) are from the tumbling process. They seem to be subsurface since they don't affect the shine at all. I'll have to pay more attention and see if they are visible before/after stage 1.
|
|
|
Post by Son Of Beach on Oct 11, 2022 17:24:31 GMT -5
I don't know how I missed this last night, these are awesome!
I really like these two in particular
As for the bruising and cracks, from what I've gathered in my own tumbles is that it's likely due to a larger capacity tumbler. I see this in coarse often, especially on my really hard rocks like agate for example. I think that the bruising are just impact points from hard rock against hard rock, not real enlightening I know....
I've learned that if I see cracking or chipping (not so much bruising) in the early stages, sometimes I will switch those rocks that deserve the extra treatment to my 3lb tumbler where they don't take quite the abuse.
Like you said, those bruises are near surface level, so a week or two in a small tumbler should work out the small defects. Just my two cents
I really like your selection of stones in this batch
|
|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Oct 11, 2022 17:33:58 GMT -5
Those sure look like impact bruising to me. I would imagine they're more concentrated around the fracture because it's a 90 degree angle on the rock...versus a flat spot. So basically, a weak spot.
|
|
hypodactylus
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2021
Posts: 467
|
Post by hypodactylus on Oct 11, 2022 20:39:05 GMT -5
For anyone curious/interested, I acquired all of these rocks from Dan at www.kinesavarocks.com/He has a large collection of rocks from Utah (and other places). He does not list everything on his website; he prefers that you send him a message.
|
|