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Post by NM Stone Supply on Jan 4, 2009 23:51:57 GMT -5
While out digging Alabaster on Friday I had to hike to the top of a large hill to get cell service. I had to call home and check in with my family. On the way up the hill I kept finding small crystal like rocks. Well toward the top they got larger and larger. After my phone call I dug two chunks out that were about 12 x 8 x 8 and started down the hill. They weighed about 40 pounds each this stone is so heavy. I cut the boulders up and was amazed. This stuff is pretty and boy it sounds like glass. There is a lot more out there and it is on my existing mining claim. Wow... Has anyone ever tumbled this and if so please let me know if there is a special method.
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Post by frane on Jan 5, 2009 7:21:16 GMT -5
I have seen great cabs out of it and I have been told you can tumble it but it is very hard to do since it is so soft. I have a lot of calcite I have bought but still haven't attempted to tumble. Fran
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Post by sparkles on Jan 5, 2009 8:04:42 GMT -5
Sweet Rough NMOnyx! While I sit and ponder about Calcite and how it tumbles, could I have a slice of the delicious Banoffee Pie - just like the first picture please! And could I have extra cream too?! It's uncanny that picture! I love Calcite, such a lovely stone and can take a really nice polish. I have tumbled various softer materials in my little barrells, but not tried Calcite yet. I may be tempted to test tumble a couple of chunks with my normal batches for a while, just to monitor it's rate of grinding etc... And when your confident it's going to work for you, introduce more, or put together a full batch. When I last tumbled something that soft - it was Labradorite. I ran the first grind in standard 80 grade SiC, but opted to tumble the second and third runs through the barrell with just 220 grit - the rate of reduction and the final finish on the stones were much improved. The SiC doesn't get harmed by the tumbling of the rocks, and will happily last all week long while the barrell is rolling. So don't be afraid of slowing it up, the 220 works great for shaping the stones. Of course I'd use Cerium polish as the rocks are soft, and plenty of pellets to prevent fractures and chipping. Have Fun! Cheers, Sparkles.
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88pathoffroad
spending too much on rocks
Oregon ROCKS!
Member since August 2008
Posts: 305
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Post by 88pathoffroad on Jan 5, 2009 22:33:41 GMT -5
Very nice find! I see lamps and cut pieces made of that kind of massive calcite at rock shows all the time. Nice transparency and color!
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Post by Bejewelme on Jan 5, 2009 22:55:42 GMT -5
Are you sure it is calcite? That is really soft, I started with a big piece to cab and it was gone in seconds. This looks like this other stuff we saw at a show, I am trying to remember the name ?? It is really pretty whatever it is, and I guess start small and see what happens. That is exciting when you find something so unexpected!! Amber
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Post by beefjello on Jan 5, 2009 23:19:53 GMT -5
Cool, I have several pieces of that from an estate I picked up. Now I know what it is
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JEFFD
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2004
Posts: 242
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Post by JEFFD on Jan 9, 2009 16:57:49 GMT -5
If it is calcite it is super soft. I tried tumbling in the lotto. Stuff turned into a muddy mess in minutes. I tried rinsing every hour and got some through 120/200 stage. Gave up and it is in the rock garden.
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Post by NM Stone Supply on Jan 9, 2009 23:21:25 GMT -5
Well time will tell. I got some cut pendants turning in one 6 pound tumbler started in the 220 grit. Then some crushed rough in another 6 pound tumbler but in 80 grit. I will check it daily. This stuff seems harder than any other calcite I have cut up.
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