dmac12
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Member since September 2013
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Post by dmac12 on Sept 24, 2013 15:54:32 GMT -5
Hello I am trying to figure out the best way, if possible to cut quartz crystals into circles close to the size of a quarter or more specific into a button. I understand that the button would be difficult with a small hole in the middle but i was curious if it was possible. Any help or suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Dennis Heres my email for direct contact mygamertags1@gmail.com
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2013 17:56:04 GMT -5
I don't see why you would have a problem with a small hole in the middle and cut the button with a hole saw. I do it all the time with nephrite but I have also done it with agate, jasper and quartz. I actually put large holes in the center with no problems. Drill the small hole in the center first then cut the button with a diamond hole saw. Jim
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Post by Pat on Sept 24, 2013 21:22:29 GMT -5
If I understand you correctly, I'd use a core drill.
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dmac12
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Post by dmac12 on Sept 25, 2013 5:16:03 GMT -5
Thank you for your help. So these crystals can be cut that thin and will not break right away?
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Post by deb193redux on Sept 25, 2013 8:51:55 GMT -5
the two you are not communicating. dmac12: put up some diagram or photo and indicate the axis of the crystal you want to go through the center of the button. As I read it, you want to slice a long crystal into discs and then grind the natural faceted edge until round. Is sounds like Pat considered a more massive piece of quartz, and you would core drill into the side (on one of the facets) to make a cylinder that could then be cut into buttons. Your reply about "cutting" thin, when the suggestion was coring, was just plain confusing. massive (visible crystal structure) quartz does sometimes fracture on the native fracture planes of its crystal structure, but not nearly as much as things like feldspar. micro-crystalline (aka, agate) is worked in all kinds of amazing detail in slabbing, drilling, cabbing and carving. I don;t understand why anyone would make buttons of rather plain massive quartz crystals when they can choose from all kinds of color and pattern in micro-crystalline quartz. Please explain you project more clearly. Please show a picture of the crystals, and please show which plane you wan to cut in. Then we can advise.
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dmac12
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2013
Posts: 5
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Post by dmac12 on Sept 25, 2013 10:19:58 GMT -5
Wow, Again this is helping me alot. I am very uneducated in this field and am trying to learn. At this point in time i do not have any photos or pictures to show. I am still trying to determine how to even get started. I used Quartz as an example. If anyone has any information at all in what crystal they recommend or are willing to help me make these crystal buttons i'd love to talk privately. My email again is mygamertags1@gmail.com or you can private message me through this board. I really appreciate all the help and a big Thank you for your replies
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Post by Pat on Sept 25, 2013 10:51:58 GMT -5
If I wanted to make a stone button, I would get a sturdy slab, use a small core drill for the thread hole, then a bigger core drill to drill out the actual button.
That's basically how I make stone rings.
I would do this under water using a drill press.
Pretty stone buttons--- hmmmm---- good idea.
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Post by deb193redux on Sept 25, 2013 11:20:19 GMT -5
I would google for images of quartz, as wel as images of buttons made from crystals (rhinestone is very popular, but other gems get used). You also need to read a bit about quartz. Visible crystals (massive quartz) comes in many sizes, various shapes, and even colors. For example purple amethyst is a form of massive quartz. It can also be rose colored, smokey, clear, frosted ... Generally crystals have sides and a point. I assumed you wanted to cut along the z-axis and make round buttons by rounding off the faces in the x-y plane. I think Pat assumed you meant a larger crystal and you used a core drill into one of the faces (perpendicular to z-axis) to remove a cylindrical core that could then be sliced into buttons of whatever thickness. the crystals can range from pencil thin to very large: You mentioned in a PM that you were interested in attracting folks who ascribed to "crystal energy" to your clothing line. I think these folks value the intact crystal, and if you cut and rounded it they would burn your clothes and vilify you. The various number of crystal facets/faces is very important to them. See: www.lovesedona.com/quartz2.htmYou might consider very small crystals (drusy) in a small metal cup for buttons: www.hsn.com/products/christinedarren-drusy-quartz-two-tone-button-earrings/6869214You could also consider faceted quartz like amethyst in a metal cup www.etsy.com/listing/119819949/vintage-buttons-swarovski-crystal-glassYou might also think about a more rustic look with small crystal points, banded around the middle with silver (or copper) to make a long pill-shaped button if you move from crystal (which can be hard to work) to other stone the "healing crowd" likes, you could consider something like red jasper buttons, or other natural gemstone that healing properties have been ascribed to. You will find many pre-made. www.etsy.com/listing/17790211/unique-red-jasper-oval-gemstone-button-1Anyway, think more about what you want, and whether you want to identify existing products, or begin to tool up to make things yourself. Use google to find pictures. Try to give examples of any cuts you want to make. or polishing, or drilling, you want to undertake.
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Post by deb193redux on Sept 25, 2013 11:23:09 GMT -5
If I wanted to make a stone button, I would get a sturdy slab, use a small core drill for the thread hole, then a bigger core drill to drill out the actual button. That's basically how I make stone rings. I would do this under water using a drill press. Pretty stone buttons--- hmmmm---- good idea. Pat: I think that is a good way to make stone buttons. I might even drill the holes with a non-core drill. But slicing crystals is a different question from working stone slabs. I assumed you wanted to core the side of a crystal, or at least core a slab from a large crystal. BTW, there are many stone buttons on etsy and ebay.
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dmac12
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2013
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Post by dmac12 on Sept 25, 2013 16:37:14 GMT -5
Thank you all so much for these very details answers. Wow you have no idea how helpful this iis for me. I might be asking to much, but would anyone have suggestion on where i could have these cut and made professional. Ebay is great, but i am looking for them in bulk. I'd only need a hand full to start, but once i started going i'd like to have access to a professional. Thanks again for all your help so far!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2013 7:03:52 GMT -5
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rolanstones
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Post by rolanstones on Oct 8, 2013 17:25:17 GMT -5
I have to agree with Deb193 as far as cutting/slicing natural crystals if you are hoping to appeal to those who value the metaphysical properties of those crystals. The "appeal" would be lost if sliced up, and all the facets ground off. There are however no shortage of hard usable stone materials with desirable metaphysical properties that would be far more colorful and maintain their properties when shaped. For that matter, there are very few stones that do not have some kind of properties associated with them. I like the idea you have myself, and could see any hard material making interesting buttons. You could even do a shirt and incorporate a progression of different stone buttons that were associated and used for the 7 main chakras? There is a wealth of information out there on the attributes and properties of various stones and minerals, and if i was doing this I would focus on some of the more commonly used first, which could also appeal to anyone who just liked real stone buttons as well.
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