unclem
starting to spend too much on rocks
Me
Member since August 2012
Posts: 119
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Post by unclem on Aug 12, 2012 19:07:36 GMT -5
Can anyone explain in a way I cannot possible misunderstand the way to cut Iris to achieve the rainbow effect? I have heard several different stories and I dont understand them. Do I need to make a Jig of some sort? :cheesy:
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Post by jakesrocks on Aug 12, 2012 19:45:29 GMT -5
For the best iris, cut thin slices across the face of your agate and polish both sides. The best effect shows when the polished slabs are back lit. Very few agates have the iris banding needed.
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rocpup
spending too much on rocks
Pink Limb Iris
Member since March 2011
Posts: 465
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Post by rocpup on Aug 12, 2012 20:32:44 GMT -5
Unclem I have heard that one in 2000 agate nodules will Iris. I have found I find about one in fifty but I know a little about where they may be found. Some areas do not produce Iris at all. When ever I find a translucent agate I always cut a thin slice about 1/16 inch. Iris is best viewed with a small clear 25-40 watt incandescent bulb. I use 3-in-one oil a few drops on each side then hold it up to the light in a dim lit area. The disappointments are many BUT when that rainbow appears "WOW". Don
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unclem
starting to spend too much on rocks
Me
Member since August 2012
Posts: 119
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Post by unclem on Aug 12, 2012 21:09:04 GMT -5
This is my iris.. Hard to get a pic it is nearly clear. this is same slab, I used a oil lamp to back lite it. That is why it has that amber color. So is it possible that the slab need to be polished more (both sides) than the angle of the cut?
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,487
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Post by Sabre52 on Aug 12, 2012 21:24:05 GMT -5
Iris agates are characterized by very fine banding that is fairly close together and often show a turtleback or paralax effect too. They really show fine rainbow colors especially in sunlight. It's possible your agate while very fine, doe snot have tight enough banding to show the iris effect. Just to test your slab for iris, you can wet the thin slab and hold it up and it should show the same rainbow spectrum effect a polished on both sides slab would ....Mel
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jason12x12
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2011
Posts: 798
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Post by jason12x12 on Aug 13, 2012 2:37:52 GMT -5
Love the dendrites in that
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2005
Posts: 1,775
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Post by Roger on Aug 13, 2012 15:45:37 GMT -5
Cool agate,I agree the thinner the slice the better chance for Iris effect.
Roger
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rocpup
spending too much on rocks
Pink Limb Iris
Member since March 2011
Posts: 465
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Post by rocpup on Aug 14, 2012 0:08:51 GMT -5
You may be holding your slab at the wrong angle for me see any iris. All I see is some banding, turtleback and some fine dendrites. An iris slice when wet with water and many saw oils will not show the iris well if at all. For the best effect you must use something with the same refractive index as the iris slice. Polishing forgoes the need for oil but who wants to polish a thousand slices to find one iris. With my experience olive oil or 3-in-one oil works best. If you do a search for iris you should find photos I posted a few month ago. I do not know how or I would post a link. I may post some more if there is an interest. Don
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rocpup
spending too much on rocks
Pink Limb Iris
Member since March 2011
Posts: 465
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Post by rocpup on Aug 14, 2012 0:27:35 GMT -5
I made this video a couple years ago. Hope you enjoy it. Don
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Post by parfive on Aug 14, 2012 0:54:28 GMT -5
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Post by parfive on Aug 14, 2012 0:57:00 GMT -5
Don: "I may post some more if there is an interest."
If you've got more, fire away!! ;D
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unclem
starting to spend too much on rocks
Me
Member since August 2012
Posts: 119
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Post by unclem on Aug 14, 2012 9:29:42 GMT -5
Wow!! great Pics there Parfive! I may just have to resolve my self to the fact that #1 I dont know what I am doing. (hopefully) Or #2 (More Likely) That these stones do not have the tight enough banding to produce the rainbow effect.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,487
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Post by Sabre52 on Aug 14, 2012 17:27:32 GMT -5
Wow Rich, don't think I've seen those before. Those are awesome!....Mel
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Post by gingerkid on Aug 14, 2012 18:10:39 GMT -5
Thanks for posting the links, parfive! Yours are beauties, too. Hi, unclem, your specimen has some killer dendrites in it. Wondering if it has the turtleback effect in it, too? Sorry, cannot help you with the slabbing or cutting of the iris agate, and hope someone can give some tips.
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