tdeuwaite
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2013
Posts: 10
|
Post by tdeuwaite on Jul 30, 2013 19:57:24 GMT -5
We've been spinning rocks since Christmas. We keep five drums running at all times. We've bought samples from Rock Shed and Gems By Mail. We've found out what is easy and we've found what is impossible. We've learned to ignore some of the rules and all of the advertising. So far, the Bloodstone and Tiger Eye have had the best results. None of the blue rocks are shinning up; lapis, amazonite, apatite, aventurine. Is there a secret to getting these stones to a high polish? Which minerals do you have the most luck with? Thanks, Richard and Nessa.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2013 21:58:07 GMT -5
The only one I am familiar with is the aventurine which is quartz with mica or schist in it. Sharp and even short radius corners will get frosty unless you cushion it real good with something. I have had real good results with the stone from around here but I have heard that some aventurine can be a little softer. I ran mine with agate and it polished ok. Not like the agate but presentable in a nice wrap. There is a good chance that it will have tiny cavities where the cut hit mica but I find it attractive because it is pretty even all over.
I thought I had a photo of one on photobucket but I could not find it. If I run across it I will post it. Jim BTW Welcome to your new home.
|
|
tdeuwaite
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2013
Posts: 10
|
Post by tdeuwaite on Jul 31, 2013 6:10:17 GMT -5
Thanks W. Our farm is on an old gravel pit. The local granite has produced some stunning results. We got the imported samples as tests but only a few of them are very good. We turned the pyrite and peacock ore (?) to mud. The lapis was expensive (2lbs-$50) and I cannot get it to shine yet. In the end we will have a high average cost per stone because of all the failed experiments. We do have a few excellent pieces and the freebies from the gravel pit make the overall cost less stupid (we hope). This is a good blog. We'll be back with glossies. R&S.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2013 6:54:26 GMT -5
If you want some agate and jasper let me know and I will send some. All I ask is for you to pay the shipping. PO small box is five something and a medium box is about twelve bucks. Jim
|
|
tdeuwaite
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2013
Posts: 10
|
Post by tdeuwaite on Jul 31, 2013 7:49:36 GMT -5
Thanks Jim. I will keep that in mind. I ordered some "Fancy" Arizona jasper last week. We will see how fancy it is. Richard.
|
|