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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 21, 2009 21:42:16 GMT -5
This batch I didn't "baby" as much as my first batch. In fact, I probably overloaded the poor vibe. I started them with 220 for 24 hours, then 2 full days with 500 grit, then AO 1000 prepolish for 24 hours, then "Super Cerium" polish for 2 full days. 2-hour Borax between reloads, of course, and a 2-hour Borax at the end. Tonight I dried them and separated out the dull, or not shiney, or soft stones, and here's what I got left: The batch, minus the softies  A few closer up  My faves   I don't know what this little dark thing is, but in person it's fabulous looking:    Now, I have a huge collection of the softer beach rocks from the 2 vibe batches - I'm going to fill the vibe with those and start it tonight with 220 grit. Maybe I can get those to shine up a bit as well. Thanks for looking! Tom |
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karock
has rocks in the head
Member since November 2007
Posts: 667
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Post by karock on Aug 22, 2009 11:02:13 GMT -5
Your fav's are my favs! Especially the white one. Could the little dark thing be garnet or a fragment from an agate with large bands of color. Hopefuly some other RTH expert can help.
Karock
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Post by MyNewHobby on Aug 22, 2009 12:00:56 GMT -5
What is that little black one???
Julie
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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 22, 2009 12:05:55 GMT -5
I'm not sure what that black one is - in certain lights, it almost looks like an extremely dark red. But it's totally opaque. I guess it could be obsidian, or possibly garnet, but I just don't know. It's an ugly shape, but a gorgeous shine.
Tom
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Post by frane on Aug 22, 2009 17:14:18 GMT -5
Looks like a great batch. I would think if the little dark one is keeping its shape, it may be in the agate family rather than the obsidian. Now the question will be, what are you going to do with all your tumbled beach rocks? They do look great around potted plants.
Fran
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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 22, 2009 18:58:01 GMT -5
Fran - I'm putting together little table decorations - just interestingly shaped plain class containers from Michaels or Hobby Lobby or Target, the really cheap ones, full of shiney beach rocks. Also found a good-sized clear glass, sort of flattened bowl for cheap - going to line it with combination of sodalite and the labradorite I'm tumbling, assuming it ever finishes to an acceptable level, then add water and some white and blue floating fake flowers. Stuff like that.
Face it, I got no imagination! LOL!
Tom
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Post by johnjsgems on Aug 22, 2009 22:38:50 GMT -5
If you keep them in water you didn't need to polish them. If you have a rotary tumbler try a 60/90 run for 2-3 days to smooth out pits/deep scratches. Even though beach rocks are "pre-tumbled" they usually do better with at least a few days in 60/90. You got a nice polish.
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