|
|
Post by realrockhound on Feb 21, 2023 15:00:46 GMT -5
khara good thinking. I wanted to do that same thing. Just couldn’t find a piece.
|
|
rockbrain
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2022
Posts: 1,320
|
Post by rockbrain on Feb 21, 2023 15:46:14 GMT -5
Another great entry khara! That's quite a druzy pocket I think I would have been more than a little nervous about that one coming apart. |
|
NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,305
|
Post by NDK on Feb 21, 2023 16:38:05 GMT -5
That is a really cool heart, khara! Is it possibly sowbelly agate? |
|
khara
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since September 2022
Posts: 782
|
Post by khara on Feb 21, 2023 20:39:33 GMT -5
Thanks everyone! fernwood Yes, it's a mystery for now! realrockhound Ya I didn't come up with the idea. I've seen others done this way and then looking for reddish material I lucked into one with some druzy. rockbrain Luckily I wasn't sooooo in love with the slab. That worked out for the best because I was expecting it to break in half and already ok with it if it did! NDK Wow, that is pretty material. I'd never heard of Sowbelly. Now I want to get some. Most that I am seeing is a really pretty light pink. It is similar but not fully the same as this, maybe a variation, or at least some of the same materials? I really need to learn my rock materials better. I noticed it was a hindrance not understanding the make-up of this rock. Not knowing which polish is best, whether acids or the ultrasonic would damage it. This stone has a lot going on in it and I really don't know what all it is. I will say, I think the Iron-Out was actually removing some of the red banding in addition to the stains on the quartz. |
|
Tracie
starting to shine!
Member since September 2022
Posts: 47
|
Post by Tracie on Feb 22, 2023 1:43:49 GMT -5
Ok, here is my heart entry. This material was labeled both Calico Onyx and Purple Pom Pom Plume. The nearest name match I can find is Silver Lace Onyx from Calico California but that does not look like this material. I’m not seeing any silver lace with this purple/red coloring and the lace looks different as well. I can find Pom Pom pIume but again, none with this coloring and other materials. So I don’t really know what to call this. If anyone knows, please comment. The lighter colored areas are very soft compared to the dark and the material as a whole is pretty fracture-y so it was difficult to maintain a nice shape and clean edge. I spent quite a bit of time trying to clean the iron staining out of the crystal pocket. I just used CLR and Iron-Out. At the end I used an ultrasonic cleaner and that really helped to clean the polishing compound out of the cracks and pits. I can say for sure I would never have cut a heart-shaped cab if not for this contest! But, I’m glad I did. The crystal area actually made shaping and polishing the cleavage easier, the material was a challenge to cut/polish nicely, and I had to spend time trouble-shooting the iron staining. All good practice. Hope to see more entries!     Oh, my goodness! I love it, a broken heart, very creative. |
|
stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 13,889
|
Post by stefan on Feb 24, 2023 17:45:02 GMT -5
Brazilian Agate.   |
|
khara
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since September 2022
Posts: 782
|
Post by khara on Feb 24, 2023 22:47:55 GMT -5
Very pretty stefan ! I was just coming on to ask if any more hearts were in the works!? |
|
|
|
Post by Rockoonz on Feb 24, 2023 23:17:25 GMT -5
I cut cabochons, can't stand still, made a flaming heart, can't get my fill.... The slab, Mexican flame agate, just acquired a week ago.  The cab in the light box, shows the polish well but not the detail like I wanted.   The cab outdoors, focused on the colors but not the shine as much.  Edit: Stop the presses. Added a diffusor to the light box, and now this will be the contest pic.  The side view from the bottom to display the, ummm, cleavage...  It's almost 2" tall, getting the shape on a genie was fun, a regular labor of love. |
|
NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,305
|
Post by NDK on Feb 27, 2023 15:48:45 GMT -5
Alright folks... Give me back my heart, I ordered liver 🤣 I finally got one done. This is Willow Creek. Just for fun I threw a little inside curve on it too 😎 I've had this slab for many years. Bought it from my favorite vendor at a local show back home in WI. I believe his name is Gary but I can't for the life of me remember his shop. I think he chums around out west with Gene from The Gem Shop. Here's the cab:  Side view:  Slab:  Preform off the saw:  |
|
rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 1,320
|
Post by rockbrain on Feb 27, 2023 17:51:48 GMT -5
Here's my entry for this month's competition. It took me just about the entire month to get all the scratches out! Slab is bottom right in the last picture
|
|
khara
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since September 2022
Posts: 782
|
Post by khara on Feb 27, 2023 21:03:57 GMT -5
|
|
rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 1,320
|
Post by rockbrain on Feb 28, 2023 10:25:20 GMT -5
Thanks khara, yes it's Montana Agate. Tough one to photograph. |
|
victor1941
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2011
Posts: 1,700
|
Post by victor1941 on Feb 28, 2023 16:43:12 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by realrockhound on Feb 28, 2023 17:51:37 GMT -5
I haven’t really commented much. But just wanted to say great cabs to everyone who has entered this far. You’ve always had my respect, but now you gain more of it for cutting a difficult shape for this months theme. God speed
|
|
khara
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since September 2022
Posts: 782
|
Post by khara on Feb 28, 2023 18:14:15 GMT -5
victor1941 Love horn coral! And I’m impressed by the small size as well. 👍
|
|
|
|
Post by fernwood on Feb 28, 2023 21:36:02 GMT -5
victor1941 Very creative use of the natural coral pattern. That is a small heart cab.
|
|
Tommy
Administrator 
Member since January 2013
Posts: 11,881
|
Post by Tommy on Mar 1, 2023 10:44:05 GMT -5
I haven’t really commented much. But just wanted to say great cabs to everyone who has entered this far. You’ve always had my respect, but now you gain more of it for cutting a difficult shape for this months theme. God speed Well said and from the heart  pun definitely intended. Seriously tho I couldn't have said it better. With that another great contest draws to a close. We are on the road today heading out and should be back to Napa (and my computer) by this evening. I think it will take me until tomorrow morning to get the voting set up. BTW, no spoilers but if you guys liked this theme just wait till you see the next one!   |
|
khara
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since September 2022
Posts: 782
|
Post by khara on Mar 1, 2023 10:46:06 GMT -5
Thanks Tommy for your admin work on this! Seeing the collage is my favorite part! |
|
victor1941
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2011
Posts: 1,700
|
Post by victor1941 on Mar 1, 2023 11:26:14 GMT -5
Is the next theme a shamrock?
|
|
agatewhisperer
has rocks in the head
Member since May 2020
Posts: 583
Member is Online
|
Post by agatewhisperer on Mar 1, 2023 11:58:20 GMT -5
Is the next theme a shamrock? Lol! I wish I would have thought of that but no... Let's just say the theme will be delicious 😋 |
|
pun definitely intended. Seriously tho I couldn't have said it better. With that another great contest draws to a close. 
