Post by andyiii on Jun 21, 2024 19:52:13 GMT -5
Hello again all!
I've got my hands on a bit of rough stone labeled "blue amphibole" from Africa. Searching google, it is also apparently called "blue quartz", "blue angel phantom quartz", and "blue angelite".
Everything I can find says it is Mohs 5-6. These rocks "feel" softer, if you know what I mean.
I have only, thus far, tumbled harder rocks in the Mohs 7+ range. Before I destroy these, should I:
1) Shorten stage 1 (60/90 SiC), or even skip it entirely?
2) I plan to roll them in a 3-lb. rotary tumbler until smooth, then shift to vibratory. Since they are softer, I don't plan to mix in any other rocks, which means I need media to fill the barrel. Should I limit to plastic media only since it is "softer", or is ceramic just fine?
Any other tips?
Thanks,
Andy III
I've got my hands on a bit of rough stone labeled "blue amphibole" from Africa. Searching google, it is also apparently called "blue quartz", "blue angel phantom quartz", and "blue angelite".
Everything I can find says it is Mohs 5-6. These rocks "feel" softer, if you know what I mean.
I have only, thus far, tumbled harder rocks in the Mohs 7+ range. Before I destroy these, should I:
1) Shorten stage 1 (60/90 SiC), or even skip it entirely?
2) I plan to roll them in a 3-lb. rotary tumbler until smooth, then shift to vibratory. Since they are softer, I don't plan to mix in any other rocks, which means I need media to fill the barrel. Should I limit to plastic media only since it is "softer", or is ceramic just fine?
Any other tips?
Thanks,
Andy III
