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Post by Toad on Sept 9, 2009 13:23:37 GMT -5
Has anyone tried it. I know the stuff is expensive as heck, but I would like to try it if the stone will stand up to it - especially if it has a bit of pyrite. Even though the pyrite will add to the complexity of the grind due to varying hardness with the stone.
But just thought I'd ask about others experience and solicit some pictures of their success/failure.
Thanks.
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snuffy
Cave Dweller 
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Sept 9, 2009 14:14:28 GMT -5
I'm glad you brought this up toad. My son-in-law just got back from a tour in Afghanistan and he brought me some lapis from there. My daughter says its real pretty with gold specks in itI wont get it untill next week. Dont know I'll do with it, probably keep it as a specimen and momento of his tour of duty.
snuffy
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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 9, 2009 20:19:27 GMT -5
Good quality lapis is sold by the gram. I don't think I could bring myself to tumble it. Maybe save the scraps after cabbing for tumbling. I'm guessing it is on the soft side also so you will have to monitor it closely.
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Post by Toad on Sept 10, 2009 6:21:28 GMT -5
I was planning on buying scraps. Just trying to find out if anyone else has done it.
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sidneyfrank
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2009
Posts: 1
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Post by sidneyfrank on Sept 10, 2009 7:21:51 GMT -5
toad i tryed lapis $60 lesson in disapointment but you learn
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Post by Toad on Sept 10, 2009 7:26:44 GMT -5
Thanks, SF. That's the kind of feedback I was looking for. Some material was just not meant to be tumbled, I guess. Maybe I'll buy a nice cab or slab specimen someday.
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turnedstone
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since January 2006
Posts: 766
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Post by turnedstone on Sept 10, 2009 14:46:55 GMT -5
Toad I have tumbled two small pieces from 600 on they wore down allot even then but I did get a shine. George
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Post by frane on Sept 10, 2009 20:26:24 GMT -5
Yes, Lapis will tumble. It can turn out really nicely too. I would not use your really nice stuff though. it is too costly and will wear down too much. I bought mine at dads rock shop at around 12.95 a pound because it is a tumbling grade. Still had some nice pieces though.
It took a lot of watching closely because of the gasses that build up and blowing the lid if you didn't open every 2-3 days in the beginning. Use a lot of cushioning in the final stages and use a 1000 grit pre polish phase.
If I can find the thread, or pictures, I will attach them later.
Fran
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Post by frane on Sept 10, 2009 20:37:16 GMT -5
Found the pics  and some cabs I worked from the same tumbling grade  Fran |
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Post by Toad on Sept 10, 2009 21:10:23 GMT -5
So if you're willing to throw a bit of money and material away, it can work. I'll stick with the cheap stuff for now and save the expensive stuff for when I know what I'm doing someday... Thanks all.
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gunny4eva
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2009
Posts: 18 
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Post by gunny4eva on Sept 15, 2009 17:34:39 GMT -5
Hi Toad, I have a small piece of lapis from north eastern Afganistan however I would not tumble mine...I would however give it to my gemologist friend and have some nice ear rings or a pendent made.
Not sure how it tumbles as the stone I have is not orbicular and has rough edges so one might lose a bit of this nice gemstone.
Glad to hear your getting some!!
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