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Post by MyNewHobby on Jan 23, 2009 22:09:41 GMT -5
Good evening all!! I do hope that you will forgive me this little post. I got a box today and knew it was my order from MichaelJohn. I am trying to find words here .... I am so new to this and know that there are amazing things ahead of me with this hobby. First and foremost ... MichaelJohn .... I do not have the words to say thank you enough for this treasure box you sent me. I have not even gone through 1/4 of it as I keep looking again and again at each piece. Now here's the hard part for me ... I know that what I have here is amazing ... but ..... I have no idea what all these rocks are and will probably spend the entire weekend with a couple of books trying to figure out what is what. In my current study, I have found that tumbling like rocks is a very important part of succesful tumbling. So ... here is my last comment ... I have never come across a group that gives so lovingly, faithfully, and without hesitation, reservation, or condition and I promise I will make sure that in time I give back to each and everyone of you that have made this adventure for me one I will never let go of. You have my deepest and most profound thanks Julie ps .... I got another box as well today ... did not expect this at all .... Dear Utah ..... you are most awesome and you have my deepest gratitude for this gift. (or did I buy and forget to pay?  |
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Post by frane on Jan 24, 2009 8:08:53 GMT -5
If you got one that is similar to the one I got, it is a great box! I am going to tumble the purples together and cut up a few for preforms. The greens seem to be a jasper hardness so they can be mixed so I will break most of them up a little smaller and cut a few for preforms and I am going to tumble the crysocola (bright blue/green with clear, white and red/brown areas) by itself because it may be a little softer. The white ones seem to be either a quartz or something a little softer so I am keeping them separate. You can try a few of each together and see how they do as a tester load. Hope that helps with your tumbles.
Fran
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Post by MyNewHobby on Jan 24, 2009 18:50:40 GMT -5
Yes ..... your information does help.
Since I am having a bit of trouble with attaining tools, I am going to work with what small to medium ones that I have a try to break them carefully with small chisel.
I was up very late last night and today have done nothing but empty both boxes and get them organized.
I am bit on the persnickety side about getting things organized and then I get to play. I have been having a blast!!
Thanks again for your help
Julie
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Post by Michael John on Jan 25, 2009 3:52:13 GMT -5
I'm very glad that you're happy with the box, Julie. That really is a SWEET bunch of stones, with a lot of variety. Most of those stones were collected from a very remote location in the Mojave desert where it's very uncommon for rockhounds to venture, so much of that material is somewhat rare and unique. Therefore, finding comparisons to identify some of that material will likely be very difficult, if possible at all.
If you want to know if stones are good for tumbling together, in terms of hardness, you don't even need the "necessary" Mohs stones. Just take the stones you want to tumble together and do scratch tests with those stones, one against the other. If neither scratches the other easily, and have about the same result, they're close enough to tumble together.
Julie, as far as "giving back" ... just your continued participation does that. Rocks are cool and all, but it's the PEOPLE that make this forum really ROCK. Just do what you do, share your experiences, ask questions, be a friend, and you will have "given back" the ultimate gift. The most valuable thing you can share with someone is your time ... always remember that.
*HUGS*
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firstrune
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2009
Posts: 156
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Post by firstrune on Jan 25, 2009 11:15:56 GMT -5
Hi Julie!!!! I was also the very happy recipient of a box of rocks from Michael John. I kept looking at all the beautiful pieces and wondering how he could ever have parted with them, but I was very happy that he did!
Bonnie
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Post by Michael John on Jan 25, 2009 11:23:23 GMT -5
I'll be parting with a LOT more, real soon.  |
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Post by NatureNut on Jan 25, 2009 12:31:50 GMT -5
How can I not join in with the MJ Fan Club!!! I PM'd him asking for a small box of a couple of purple stones, and... I don't know how he does it, but he sent me those gorgeous stones and so much more! I just love the pastel color of the purple/lavendar stones (just like raspberry sherbet!), and they look like they are gonna take a great shine! I've cut some preshapes to tumble in my UV-10 after my current batch is finished. MJ, you sent me so many wonderful extras! Thank you SO much~!!!
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Post by Michael John on Jan 25, 2009 12:43:08 GMT -5
LOL those weren't extras ... they were just my version of packing peanuts!  |
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Jan 25, 2009 16:06:16 GMT -5
that's how this sickness is spread "ATTA BOY" Michael John
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firstrune
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2009
Posts: 156
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Post by firstrune on Jan 25, 2009 19:59:19 GMT -5
I'll be parting with a LOT more, real soon. I'll be keeping an eye Michael John! ;D At this rate I'm definitely going to need more tumblers, then a new shed dedicated to just tumbling rocks, then ... well, this could really become rather overwhelming.  |
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Post by NatureNut on Jan 25, 2009 20:24:16 GMT -5
But then you think again, Nnnnaaaawwwww.... it's all worth it!
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Post by MyNewHobby on Jan 25, 2009 21:30:41 GMT -5
Yes .... I am sick ..... thank goodness there is no vaccine for this sickness.
700 sq feet and filled with rocks and leather ....
Thanks Again To All!!
note to self ..... rent or rocks ....
rent .... new tumbler ....
rent ... saw & grinder ...
ps ... why won't the dog get a job to help with mom's habit?
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firstrune
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2009
Posts: 156
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Post by firstrune on Jan 26, 2009 21:11:16 GMT -5
But then you think again, Nnnnaaaawwwww.... it's all worth it! That's my philosophy!! ;D I'm working on getting my husband to change his to match mine, then I can really go to town. :cheesy: |
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DeanW
has rocks in the head
Member since December 2007
Posts: 721
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Post by DeanW on Jan 27, 2009 14:01:26 GMT -5
Firstrune, as a Husband who was only barely interested in rocks before I met my wife let me warn you about a couple of things. First and foremost be careful what you wish for because our house/storage is sooooo overflowing because on collecting trips I can't seem to leave a purty rock behind  ;D (if I can pick it up and carry it, it seems to come home). Second, when you and hubby have the same interests it becomes impossible to simply state "But, I *need* that new extra tumbler because of..." - if Hubby understands the hobby then he will know when you are BS'ing him . For example, my wife is as good / knowledgeable motorcycle rider as I am; thus the argument that my bike doesn't run right without a new aftermarket exhaust doesn't fly  ;D. |
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firstrune
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2009
Posts: 156
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Post by firstrune on Jan 27, 2009 21:06:29 GMT -5
Dean thank you for the encouraging words!! I'm truly hoping to get his interest sparked, and already have some little field trips planned for us when Old Man Winter takes his leave of these parts. I really have to give him credit though, even though he doesn't yet share my enthusiasm about this whole process, he has been very supportive. Last week in the mail a package came from The Rock Shed, which surprised me as I hadn't ordered anything from them. Upon opening it there was a brand new shiny rock pick!! and a bag of girasol opals! Bless his heart! I think once he truly sees a rock (well I hope) taken all the way from rough to the final polish, he'll get more involved and excited. When he reaches the point where he can't leave a purty rock behind, then I'll know he's hooked. ;D |
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morticiamonroe
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 147
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Post by morticiamonroe on Jan 28, 2009 17:39:04 GMT -5
MJ is my Rock Daddy too......he has been encouraging, patient, and way more than generous to me.
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Post by Michael John on Jan 29, 2009 11:10:44 GMT -5
Again, thank you all for the very kind words. You're The Best! ***GROUP HUG***
After three days of Xtreme Power-Hounding, Steve (northshorerocks) headed back home this morning. After I pour some more coffee down me, I'm going out to the garage to put some flat-raters together to sell here. If you're itching for your rock fix, I've gotcha covered!
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jean
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2005
Posts: 127
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Post by jean on Feb 10, 2009 19:24:28 GMT -5
Thanks to Michael John. Received my great box of rocks yesterday. Thanks much. Jean
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morticiamonroe
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 147
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Post by morticiamonroe on Feb 12, 2009 19:13:54 GMT -5
Hello MNH,
I'm about as new at this as you are. I had tumbled one successful batch before I joined this forum, but other than that I am taking it a day at a time and reading everyones posts and looking at photos,,,,,I've had quite a few "a-HA!" moments here thanks to the good folks who actually know what they're doing and generously help us newbies.
I also got a nice package from MJ and have had more than the time of my life just identifying what I could, separating what should be slabbed versus what should be tumbled, and adoring each and every stone in the box. I've cut a few, but still having a hard time trying to figure how how to tell which should be cut and which should be tumbled.,,,
My BF thinks my butter has done slid off my biscuit,,,he finds me sitting on the porch in the sun, water hose running, fondling rocks. Glad to know there are others who love them as I do.
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;D (if I can pick it up and carry it, it seems to come home). Second, when you and hubby have the same interests it becomes impossible to simply state "But, I *need* that new extra tumbler because of..." - if Hubby understands the hobby then he will know when you are BS'ing him 
;D.
