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Post by MyNewHobby on Jun 26, 2009 18:30:10 GMT -5
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Post by MyNewHobby on Jun 26, 2009 18:35:22 GMT -5
I have a couple of additional questions regarding this batch.
First off .... I did notice dark reddish areas in some and every time I checked the batch, I had a reddish clay fluid. Now .... the fluid was not thick and icky, it was fluid, just really red.
What would cause this? Or maybe my question should be ... what other materials/minerals/rocks are within these rocks that could cause the coloring.
Second question ... I am asking this for future use as I will not start another batch with this rock until I hear from all of you and know that I will not be wasting it.
What should I be doing or NOT doing next time?
One other thing I noticed .... even after checking the batches (60/90 & 120/220) I had a LOT of unused grit at the bottom.
As always ... my humble gratitude for all the help and guidance.
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Post by Condor on Jun 26, 2009 18:59:04 GMT -5
Wow, those could have been mine. I just got done with them today and they are almost like yours. You and I started them at about the same time. Even when I used the aluminum oxide polish, the liquid came out red too. Up to stage three they were looking like they were going to come out nice. After that it went down hill. Maybe they are just way too soft for polishing.
Condor
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Post by MyNewHobby on Jun 26, 2009 19:15:24 GMT -5
Condor!! Thank you!!
If you came outabout the same, then okay .... maybe I did more right than wrong.
I wonder how they would survive (or not) in a vibe?
As always
Julie
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Post by NatureNut on Jun 26, 2009 19:20:22 GMT -5
Not too bad Julie, when you consider the hardness (or softness) of Chrysocolla. Love the colors too! I would think you would shorten the length of time of each stage in a vibe and you might not have as much chipping with plenty of cushion, but you never know. Get your confidence with the vibe first and then test it out.
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snuffy
Cave Dweller 
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Jun 26, 2009 19:36:11 GMT -5
Julie, Ive tumbled several batches of this and got about the same result as you. I dont expect a great shine on them anymore, but still think they are a great looking stone. Ive run them in rotaries and vibe .
snuffy
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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 Jun 26, 2009 19:38:48 GMT -5
Hey not a bad result for a softer type stone and the colors are great.
My first batch of AZ azurite, malachite, chrysocola rocks in the loto came out tiny pieces.
Try a load of agate or jasper and you will be much happier.
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Post by Condor on Jun 26, 2009 20:34:30 GMT -5
Condor!! Thank you!! If you came outabout the same, then okay .... maybe I did more right than wrong. I wonder how they would survive (or not) in a vibe? As always Julie Ooops. Forgot to mention, 1st stage was rotary followed by 2nd, 3rd and 4th vibe, and it still didn't work. Condor |
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Post by MyNewHobby on Jun 26, 2009 20:55:06 GMT -5
Condor .... thanks a lot .... I feel so much better .... ;D
It's all good ..... Now that I have put that batch to bed .... One to brighter and better batches!!
As always
Julie
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10thumbs
spending too much on rocks
I want to be reincarnated as a dog.
Member since March 2009
Posts: 480
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Post by 10thumbs on Jun 26, 2009 23:58:33 GMT -5
Ditto for me Julie. Every time I opened a tumbler barrel the contents were thick and muddy. I started adding a lot more water to the tumbles which seems to help. I think my shapes might be a little nicer than yours. I have not graduated anything to the polish stage yet though based on the loss of material. I have to bust up some of the bigger chunks and start another rough grind. I have to say I'm scared off a little bit now though. Despite the nice colors that is a butt ugly batch of rocks.
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Jun 27, 2009 13:04:37 GMT -5
To get a good polish on Crystacola (lower grades ) I find Zam is excellent on a hard buffing wheel
I also Cut and flat lap the Crystacola as It undercut,s a lot this works better for me than tumbling or vibing in later stages
Jack
Yorkshire UK
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