zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Dec 10, 2014 14:39:44 GMT -5
Thanks, Phil. Making soft chalk turquoise into something that takes a good polish is exactly what I want.
A friend just bought some Cactus Juice & will let me do a test of some of my problem rocks.
Lynn
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Post by phil on Dec 10, 2014 17:37:56 GMT -5
Cool. Keep in mind I can do it for you on shares.... <G>
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zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Dec 11, 2014 14:43:17 GMT -5
Phil,
How does it do filling fractures in harder stones such as Morgan Hill Poppy jasper?
Lynn
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Post by phil on Dec 11, 2014 20:56:08 GMT -5
It does not fill fractures. The resin is thin and not viscous at all, so it can penetrate porous rock/wood/ chalk, etc. I usually just heat the stones and epoxy the cracks before I cut and grind. Being warm, the epoxy become more pliable or "thins" and soaks down into the cracks.
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zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Mar 2, 2015 19:39:05 GMT -5
I got the system & have done 5 batches so far. I do about 6lbs per batch. It's soaking up the juice faster than the guy who showed it off at our club. He said he did about 75 lbs & only used 1/4 gallon. My 30lbs have used up about 1/4 gallon.
I've tried just about every type of rock I like to cut. I've found that it isn't a miracle cure for fractures or pits. It's really only good for porous stones. I still like Hxtal epoxy for filling in fractures & pits. I've got a bit of porous Chrysocolla that has greatly benefited from Cactus Juice. A lot of what I collected that seemed like yard rock is now dense enough to cab.
Lynn
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Post by orrum on Mar 4, 2020 11:31:32 GMT -5
Great thread!!! Fantastic info folks. Thanks a bunch!!!
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Post by knave on Apr 24, 2020 15:48:26 GMT -5
Is CJ the preferred way of stabilizing rock?
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Don
Cave Dweller 
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Apr 24, 2020 18:44:16 GMT -5
Is CJ the preferred way of stabilizing rock? It works for soft materials that are porous. Remember that it does not fill fractures, so if you're looking to save a piece of rock that has lots of fractures in it, an epoxy might be a better choice. I'm still not sure how UV stable cactus juice is, but it's an OK option for small batch chalk turquoise, soft chrysocolla and picture sandstone. |
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Post by mohs on Apr 24, 2020 20:30:30 GMT -5
Hohokams have been stabilizing their rocks for a long time  and it ROCKED !
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