Roan
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2008
Posts: 600
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Kunzite
Mar 7, 2008 21:42:17 GMT -5
Post by Roan on Mar 7, 2008 21:42:17 GMT -5
Well, I took the batch I had been tumbling in 500 grit and decided to start all over again. Now that I know how crucial the first step is, I'm not happy with how the stones look. Anyhow, I've been tumbling them with some new rough for a few days and this morning I threw some small pieces of kunzite in the barrel.
I know kunzite is 6½-7, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of info out there on tumbling pros and cons. I was thinking of trying out what's being done in the wire wrap forum with cutting a groove around the outside of the kunzite and wrapping it. Looks a LOT more easy to me than a fancy wrap.
Any comments or suggestions on tumbling kunzite?
Eileen
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Kunzite
Mar 7, 2008 21:57:50 GMT -5
Post by docone31 on Mar 7, 2008 21:57:50 GMT -5
I would not tumble Kunzite. I facet, and set those stones. They shatter like Tanzanite. Even setting them, the larger stones seem to display cleavages after they have been set and sit for a bit. I just wouldn't. Kunzite wraps well, and does set well. Care has to be taken on spot pressures on the stone in the setting.
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SirRoxalot
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 790
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Post by SirRoxalot on Mar 8, 2008 13:25:36 GMT -5
I've seen tumbled spodumene, but I suspect it may be polished by hand, like the Chinese fluorite. The excellent cleavage would make it a real tough tumble, and it should never be used in jewelry that will be taking any sort of impact. Would suggest running only spodumene, using a thick slurry, slow rpm, lots of pellets, and grade it without mercy, get the cracks out. An interesting challenge!
SirRoxalot
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Roan
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2008
Posts: 600
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Post by Roan on Mar 9, 2008 2:13:03 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies! I wish there was a list of "rocks that shouldn't be tumbled" somewhere Anyhoodle, the kunzite is already in the tumbler. It's just some small pieces I had lying around, but even if they come out "so so", I'll be happy Eileen
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marigoldmom
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2023
Posts: 2
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Kunzite
Sept 17, 2023 15:37:30 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by marigoldmom on Sept 17, 2023 15:37:30 GMT -5
[quote author=" SirRoxalot" source="/post/266140/thread" Would suggest running only spodumene, using a thick slurry, slow rpm, lots of pellets, and grade it without mercy, get the cracks out. An interesting challenge! SirRoxalot[/quote] I'm trying some kunzite now. I will keep this in mind!
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