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Post by paulshiroma on Jul 7, 2011 22:46:32 GMT -5
Anyone ever tumbled labradorite? Thought I'd give it a try but wanted to see if anyone had advice on tumbling the stuff.
Thanks! Paul
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Post by gr on Jul 7, 2011 23:58:51 GMT -5
Might be better saved for slabs and cabs if you can. Unless you had a winfall of it; kinda pricey to be tumbling. Yes you can tumble it and I've seen some pretty nice tumbles of it. git yer saw runnin dude!
gr
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Post by susand24224 on Jul 8, 2011 0:22:12 GMT -5
I'm tumbling some right now--so far, so good. I've got some tumbling rocks from two different places, and the Rockshed's is head and shoulders over the other (forgot where I got it--someone on Ebay).
So far I'm still tumbling 80 grit working on getting enough to move to the next stage of grit. I'm using Ivory Soap shavings and have added about a third ceramics. There's nothing unusual about it at this stage, although I may change my mind moving into subsequent stages.
Susan
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Post by tntmom on Jul 8, 2011 1:17:43 GMT -5
I haven't had any luck tumbling it, vibe or rotary, it always frosts for me after the 500 stage. It is perfectly fixable though with some diamond paste, felt burs and a dremel. I've seen some beautiful tumbles though, wish I knew their secrets.....
~Krystee
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Jasper-hound
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2010
Posts: 208
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Post by Jasper-hound on Jul 8, 2011 8:31:48 GMT -5
I agree with Krystee, although a stray chunk somehow made it into my vibe which is beginning its polish run on some moonstones today. I'll find out if the labradorite piece comes out better this time.
On a side note, I have also been known to have problems with frosting on the edges of rose quartz, smokey quartz, and the like. My sense is that these materials cannot be tumbled with agates and jaspers but can only be tumbled with like stones.
I did tumble a run of only labradorites once, but the edges were all frosted. Grr. They are waiting around the shop until I figure out a new idea.
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peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
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Post by peachfront on Jul 8, 2011 9:12:49 GMT -5
I just found a tiny labradorite that somehow fell in with my recent Agate run, and it polished just fine. So go figure. I have no idea how this happened or even how it got in there. I think these softer, trickier materials play games with us!
Susan, as you move through the stages with your Labradorite, would you mind updating us from time to time as to how it works out?
I have a project on the "to do" list which will use a lot of Labradorite but I haven't even slabbed it yet so there's no hurry here.
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Post by paulshiroma on Jul 8, 2011 14:30:01 GMT -5
Thanks for all the feedback on this. Like Susan, I picked up a bag from The Rock Shed along with some "Bahia" agates. Wanted to try something new out. My tumblers are busy now trying to finish up some agates and jasper from Field Road and Lavic Road so it'll be a bit before I can try the labradorite out. The Rock Shed mentioned that I should try a 1000 grit alum oxide between the prepolish and polish stages so I guess I'll eventually be making another order. They indicated the polishing step then comes out better.
I think I need a second job to feed this addiction ... er ... hobby. Yeah, that's what it was called "hobby".
And, yes, I have to get my saw up and running but ...
"Will Work for Lapidary Parts".
Susan, to echo Peachfront, would you mind posting to this thread or starting a new one (if you have time) on this subject?
Thanks everyone for the input and further feedback is appreciated!
Paul
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Jasper-hound
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2010
Posts: 208
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Post by Jasper-hound on Jul 10, 2011 16:58:43 GMT -5
Here is one that went through a run of moonstones (which seems fitting because labradorite is a type of moonstone). You will see the problem. The material is not solid enough for tumbling. Period.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,466
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Post by Sabre52 on Jul 10, 2011 17:55:23 GMT -5
I've tumbled a little of it with amazonite and moonstones. It's pretty fragile so use lots of pellets and I used a vibe tumbler for the last three stages. Didn't take a perfect mirror polish but still shined up pretty well with tin oxide for the final polish.....Mel
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Post by paulshiroma on Jul 10, 2011 21:52:33 GMT -5
Thanks for the tip, Mel. Will include some pellets and see what happens.
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