Post by bpaul on Mar 28, 2010 23:03:21 GMT -5
Just starting my third week of a Malachite, Fluorite, and Chrysocolla load. The Malachite and Fluorite is from The Gem Shop and the Chrysocolla is from Dad's Rock Shop. I'm fiinding banding in the Malachite mesmerizing.
These softer stones sure do grind down fast. I'll be posting the rest of the trip over the next 2-3 weeks. A fellow RTHer sent me some chrome oxide for the polish. Looking forward to trying it out.
First up: The pretumbled rough.
Next: After the first week in 60/90 grit.
After the second week in 60/90. There are still some imperfections I'd like to get out, but I can't see continuing for another week in coarse grit. I'm just losing too much material. Given the softness of the stones, I'm thinking maybe a week in 120/220 will be enough to get the final little spots.
The chrysocolla is apparently in some kind of matrix that is harder than everything else in the barrel.
Heading into Stage 2. Notice how the barrel is already half as full after only two weeks. I added enough plastic pellets to make the barrel 3/4 full.
These softer stones sure do grind down fast. I'll be posting the rest of the trip over the next 2-3 weeks. A fellow RTHer sent me some chrome oxide for the polish. Looking forward to trying it out.
First up: The pretumbled rough.
Next: After the first week in 60/90 grit.
After the second week in 60/90. There are still some imperfections I'd like to get out, but I can't see continuing for another week in coarse grit. I'm just losing too much material. Given the softness of the stones, I'm thinking maybe a week in 120/220 will be enough to get the final little spots.
The chrysocolla is apparently in some kind of matrix that is harder than everything else in the barrel.
Heading into Stage 2. Notice how the barrel is already half as full after only two weeks. I added enough plastic pellets to make the barrel 3/4 full.
