hulagrub
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2009
Posts: 256
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Post by hulagrub on Dec 7, 2009 10:13:00 GMT -5
I have been trying to get a final polish on a batch of fluorite. Using my little vibrating tumbler, they just won't polish. Have tried both cerium oxide and tin oxide, neither have worked. Any ideas would help!
Dave
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Dec 7, 2009 10:52:53 GMT -5
The problem is that flourite is that it's too soft to tumble polish either in a vibe or rotary.
The best way I've found it to polish flourite on a buffer with a muslin wheel and ZAM. ZAM is a polish used to polish jewelry and softer stones. It's available at most rock shops and jewelry supply places.
I believe ZAM is made from Chrome oxide with a wax binder.
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 7, 2009 11:51:33 GMT -5
Why not try chrome oxide polish then? I'd say a lot of cushioning media also. Sub micron aluminum works on many soft stones as well.
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roblee
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2009
Posts: 2 
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Post by roblee on Dec 7, 2009 13:49:35 GMT -5
Fluorite is difficult to polish. I finally had success by using 60% mixed ceramic media with 40% fluorite (purchased from the RockShed) in a Mini-Sonic vibe turned down to 1/4 speed. I used about 1 tablespoon of AO polish in the 4lbs. hopper. I won't be tumbling fluorite again.
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hulagrub
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2009
Posts: 256
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Post by hulagrub on Dec 8, 2009 19:17:24 GMT -5
Thanks, I will try the AO, and plastic media. Don't have any of the ceramic. I ground one piece out on our genie came out ok.
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