navi
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 229
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calcite
Dec 30, 2008 12:57:15 GMT -5
Post by navi on Dec 30, 2008 12:57:15 GMT -5
anyone here ever tumble calcite? i know it's soft, but there are tons of white, blue, clear and rootbeer colored calcite around here. i'm just wondering what it would take and IF it can be tumbled.
thanks.
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Rogue Trader
freely admits to licking rocks
"Don't cry because you are leaving, smile because you were there."
Member since December 2008
Posts: 839
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calcite
Dec 30, 2008 13:07:11 GMT -5
Post by Rogue Trader on Dec 30, 2008 13:07:11 GMT -5
HTH
Calcite
Composition: calcium carbonate. CaCO3.
Hardness: 3.0
Specific gravity: 2.6-2.8.
Of all minerals Calcite forms the richest variety, over 100 different forms with over 1000 combinations. Calcite crystals always grow on a surface or some kind while massive (microcrystalline) varieties can occur almost anywhere. Since Calcite easily dissolves and can form/reform readily it often does so in combination with other compounds.
In the case of Mangano Calcite the calcite is infused with manganese compounds lending a pale pink hue with bands to an almost pure white calcite.
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pebblepup
has rocks in the head
Succor Creek Thunder Egg
Member since July 2008
Posts: 515
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calcite
Dec 30, 2008 15:39:43 GMT -5
Post by pebblepup on Dec 30, 2008 15:39:43 GMT -5
I have not tried tumbling calcite but have polished it using expando drums with SC belts. It cuts down very quick but takes a decent polish this way. I look forward to seeing what it does in a tumbler.
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calcite
Dec 30, 2008 15:57:49 GMT -5
Post by Michael John on Dec 30, 2008 15:57:49 GMT -5
I'd suggest grinding the edges off and getting the pieces as smooth as possible before tumbling. That'll greatly reduce the time in coarse tumbling, resulting in much less overall loss.
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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calcite
Dec 30, 2008 21:45:26 GMT -5
Post by darrad on Dec 30, 2008 21:45:26 GMT -5
As soft as Calsite is I would skip the 60/90 coarse and go straght to 120/200. I picked up a big chunck of orange Calcite and this is what I plan to do. It will be an experiment for me as well. I do not expect a great shine though
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navi
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 229
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calcite
Dec 31, 2008 9:34:43 GMT -5
Post by navi on Dec 31, 2008 9:34:43 GMT -5
mj. grinding down the edges. very good idea. this is going to happen, but not for some time. i have too much agate right now, that is in line for the tumbler!!!
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