Rainbow obsidian ?

Sabre52
Cave Dweller

Me and my gal, Rosie

Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,494

Rainbow obsidian ? Dec 7, 2006 20:23:18 GMT -5

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Post by Sabre52 on Dec 7, 2006 20:23:18 GMT -5

Howdy folks,

I seldom ever cab obsidian because, well, never really found it that interesting. Last week though, Teresa's Rocks had some really nice looking rainbow obsidian on sale that I just could not resist. Well, it came today, fast,nicely packed and as described ( gorgeous colors) and now looking at it, I realize I have no idea how best to orient and cut the material. It looks as though cut almost parallel to the bands it will bullseye in colored bands but I was wondering if any of you have cut it before and what your orientation preference is? I think, rather than a bullseye, I'd like more of a rainbow effect where the colors curve over the face of the stone but really have no idea how to do this. Any advice?

? Mel

stoner no longer being taken for granite THE EARTH IS JUST A ROCK TUMBLING THROUGH SPACE Member since March 2003 Posts: 7,715	Rainbow obsidian ? Dec 8, 2006 1:05:36 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by stoner on Dec 8, 2006 1:05:36 GMT -5 Good timing on this question Mel. I just picked up 22lbs of the best rainbow obsidian I've ever come across and it would be nice to know before I start cutting it.

Sabre52
Cave Dweller

Me and my gal, Rosie

Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,494

Rainbow obsidian ? Dec 8, 2006 2:14:36 GMT -5

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Post by Sabre52 on Dec 8, 2006 2:14:36 GMT -5

Ed: Yeah this is old Mexican material I guess and, though I've collected rainbow material up in northern California by Davis Creek, boy I've never seen colors like in this stuff. It is a veritable rainbow with everything from green and blue to pink and purple. Want to try some high dome round cabs for topping off my walking sticks and sure don't want to mess this stuff up. It's just way too pretty!!!....mel

rockyraccoon no longer being taken for granite Member since December 2003 Posts: 7,980	Rainbow obsidian ? Dec 8, 2006 2:33:31 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by rockyraccoon on Dec 8, 2006 2:33:31 GMT -5 here's a link tabson gave awhile back with cutting info: dbrockwerks.com/page5.html kim

Sabre52 Cave Dweller Me and my gal, Rosie Member since August 2005 Posts: 20,494	Rainbow obsidian ? Dec 8, 2006 12:06:37 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Sabre52 on Dec 8, 2006 12:06:37 GMT -5 Thanks a lot Kim, that link helps a lot.....mel

gemkoi
Guest

Rainbow obsidian ? Dec 9, 2006 14:51:08 GMT -5

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Post by gemkoi on Dec 9, 2006 14:51:08 GMT -5

from personal experince, the curve of rainbow is best acchieve with the right material. if the colors spead out naturally when the light hits it, instead of lighting at one point. Then its better material to get this effect. As when you cut the rough layers, offset, you will get the color to spread out. But when the cabochon is finished, the color only lights from one side. So it must be set to this side, or viewed to this side, otherside will show mostly black with slight contrast of layers.

If the color does spread out natural, like allot of velvet obsidian does, then cutting at this angle to the layers can produce very dramatic rainbow effect. If it doesnt, but the color is still fine. High domes, convexed cuts into a dome, partial carved shapes can be more appealing then a standard cabochon.

As in most cases the color layer are just thick enough to only produce a bullseye, with one or two other colors. But creative cutting like carving cab bring out more colors and cool combination. Keep us posted!