Post by freeform on Mar 19, 2007 15:36:10 GMT -5
This material is something ive had very little experience with, but I really enjoyed working it so I wanted to share that with you. I wish I knew a good source for this type of hematite, as I found the piece of rough Im using in my overstock piles. I did see some of it for sale at the Flagg gemshow but it was low grade and high priced. It basically is a very messy rock to cut, as hematite is the true “bloodstone”, as it bleeds red when you cut it.
First the rough; It was about 2pounds in weight, (heavy material) and the rough had a distinct “v” groove separating two sections of bubbles.
These two sections are the main make up of this material I want to cab. Each section is relatively flat, which will be the dome or top of each cabochon. I suspect 3 cabs from this piece of rough. The white stuff was on the stone when I found it. Not sure what causes it, buts its rather nice. Like enamel.
So, what I did was first was to size the material down a bit so I could handle it better in my trim saw. I took one slice behind the bubble area. Then I split the two section down the deepest part of that v-grove. This separated the main bubble sections away from each other. Then I was able to cut a flat back as parallel to the bubble table as possible. that’s the only really trick with cutting any natural topped rough, like druzy. Cut the back parallel to the table or top of your cabochon. Often this table or top will never be a perfect dome or a perfect flat top. So you must use your best judgment when trimming.
After the pieces were trimmed, cabbing them was a breeze. Simple apply the cabochon method to the sides and back of the trimmed rough. Leaving the top alone to remain natural. I did notice this material can flake out, because of the crystalline hematite which is making the bubbles. But this was no big deal, acted similar to jade in that regard. I sanded the pieces upto 1200grit, and polished upto 50K diamond grit. Here are what the pieces came out to be.
Please let me know if you have any questions about this content. Thank you
First the rough; It was about 2pounds in weight, (heavy material) and the rough had a distinct “v” groove separating two sections of bubbles.
These two sections are the main make up of this material I want to cab. Each section is relatively flat, which will be the dome or top of each cabochon. I suspect 3 cabs from this piece of rough. The white stuff was on the stone when I found it. Not sure what causes it, buts its rather nice. Like enamel.
So, what I did was first was to size the material down a bit so I could handle it better in my trim saw. I took one slice behind the bubble area. Then I split the two section down the deepest part of that v-grove. This separated the main bubble sections away from each other. Then I was able to cut a flat back as parallel to the bubble table as possible. that’s the only really trick with cutting any natural topped rough, like druzy. Cut the back parallel to the table or top of your cabochon. Often this table or top will never be a perfect dome or a perfect flat top. So you must use your best judgment when trimming.
After the pieces were trimmed, cabbing them was a breeze. Simple apply the cabochon method to the sides and back of the trimmed rough. Leaving the top alone to remain natural. I did notice this material can flake out, because of the crystalline hematite which is making the bubbles. But this was no big deal, acted similar to jade in that regard. I sanded the pieces upto 1200grit, and polished upto 50K diamond grit. Here are what the pieces came out to be.
Please let me know if you have any questions about this content. Thank you
