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Post by gr on Feb 2, 2013 16:31:02 GMT -5
I picked up these two amazonite crystals at Quartzsite. I didn't notice it there but, upon closer inspection at home, I notice that there seems to be a "grain" or cleavage lines. Is this something that is common - (for a lack of a better way to say it). And now the question - Is there a right way to cut amazonite? I would like not to mess these two up too badly. Thanks in advance for any advise. what looks to me to be grain gr
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Feb 2, 2013 18:56:45 GMT -5
I have some that is greener but the same grain like structure
hope someone here can give info on the best way to cut
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Post by NatureNut on Feb 2, 2013 22:10:20 GMT -5
Yep, it grows in blocks. It's orthoclase (a form of moonstone) colored by microcline. Do you see a sheen on any particular side?
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Post by gr on Feb 2, 2013 22:35:26 GMT -5
Jo, yes there is some sheen in bright light but otherwise, it refracts like the face of a quartz crystal in lower light
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Post by deb193redux on Feb 2, 2013 22:42:02 GMT -5
it works like other feldspar, and you can always have cleavage plain problems.
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Post by gr on Feb 2, 2013 22:49:44 GMT -5
Thanks Daniel! I'll have to look up feldspars in my book. I have worked some of this but was so long ago that I don't remember how it worked. Lately, mostly jagets and aspers have been on the wheels
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Post by NatureNut on Feb 3, 2013 14:53:57 GMT -5
If you want to make use of the sheen, cut like you would labradorite or moonstone. If it is going to be a pendant, hold the stone up in front of you and chest level and turn so that you can see the sheen with the sun at your back. Imagine where the flat back side would be if the stone was cabbed where you are holding it and cut on that flat back plane. Does this make sense?
If you don't care about the sheen, then try to make the best cut possible with the cleavage to try to get a solid piece.
It should work up fast and take a nice shine.
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Post by orrum on Feb 3, 2013 15:00:21 GMT -5
That made sense to me Naturenut! Been wanting to know how to slab mine.
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Post by mohs on Feb 3, 2013 15:12:39 GMT -5
Looks like a nice solid chunk you have Gary should slab fine I have a piece, that I think, is little less solid haven't cut or cabbed any yet let us know how your works Ed
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Post by gr on Feb 4, 2013 7:52:43 GMT -5
Jo, makes good sense to me. Thanks for your input about this.
Ed, cut it up and give it a shot. That one looks like it would give ya some workable slabs.
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Post by NatureNut on Feb 4, 2013 10:08:35 GMT -5
Go for it Ed!
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Post by mohs on Feb 4, 2013 11:44:48 GMT -5
Unfortunately my 10 inch saw is unavailable the neighbor, where I keeping it, got real sick and is recovering so.. BUT I was out grinding rocks Saturday and this older gent walks up he was a pastor of a new church and was canvasing the neighborhood well we got into friendly chatting and he mentions that he as a 10 inch chop saw with a bunch of geodes he's been wanting to cut claims he will bring the saw over in the back of his truck on a given Saturday I told him right on ! I'm corner stone for his church...
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