Haleysdream
has rocks in the head
K-9 unit Rock Hounds
Member since January 2010
Posts: 654
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Post by Haleysdream on Nov 10, 2010 10:47:03 GMT -5
Hi I recently acquired about 10 chunks of garnet about 1" in diameter? Is this something you can tumble or is it best cut polished like a cab. i want to do the right thing with it. Thanks for your help Nancy
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Post by Toad on Nov 10, 2010 14:47:16 GMT -5
Probably best cut in cab form, but I've tumbled with some success.
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Post by rockrookie on Nov 10, 2010 20:21:59 GMT -5
i have tried to tumble bigger peices that did not turn out . the ones that worked were small pea sized Almondine Garnets . --paul
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Post by frane on Nov 10, 2010 22:15:40 GMT -5
I have only tumbled the small garnets with success. I suspect, if you have larger ones, they would be best cabbed or faceted. If those failed, toss them in the tumbler. Fran
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daddydave
starting to shine!
Member since June 2007
Posts: 44
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Post by daddydave on Nov 11, 2010 13:50:56 GMT -5
I tumble almandine garnet a lot. Some large pieces,, as we get them up to softball size near here. If they have any shape at all I use the vibe, but if they are just chunks I use the rotary with 60/80 grit to rough sand. After that I use the vibe with 120/220 to sand till satisfied, then go to 600 and then polish with tin oxide or one of the other better polishes. Have never had a problem. If I have good shaped ones I will just rough sand on the vibe to chean them up and then use the laps on my faceting unit to finish thru the process in order to maintain their crystal shape.
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