Paul
starting to shine!
Member since April 2015
Posts: 38
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Post by Paul on May 13, 2015 0:25:44 GMT -5
We went to our first "gem and mineral show" this weekend. Most of the vendors were selling jewelry stuff like beads and faceted stones but there were some quality (at least, I thought they were quality) mineral vendors selling some really cool looking stuff. Not being up on the science I don't really know how to evaluate pyrite in matrix or ruby in zoisite but they were nice to look at. I was there to get some rough though, so I skipped the $500 Barite Crystals on Quartz Cluster specimen and tried to find someone to help feed our tumbler. And I did... I found the one guy selling tumbling rough by the pound in the entire show. In my excitement I decided to buy some stuff that I thought would be harder to find. Moonstone from India and "Royal purple" Amethyst. Guy said they would tumble well together. I haven't actually verified that fact yet because I'm feeling like an idiot. Imagine my chagrin at paying $20/lb(!) for each. Got home to research my awesome purchase and I found moonstone (from India!) at The Rock Shed for $5/lb. *sigh* I'm chalking it up to a learning experience. Maybe I shouldn't have told the guy we were new and wanted some new rough to tumble but didn't really know what we wanted. Maybe my daughter shouldn't have squealed "I love purple!" and dart to the amethyst as we walked up to the booth. Maybe I should have checked prices on my phone and haggled. Maybe I should have spent the $40 on more grab bags for my daughter. In any event, I will have some of the most costly shiny moonstone and amethyst in So Cal in a few months. Caveat Emptor! Thanks for reading.
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stonemaster499
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since July 2014
Posts: 97
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Post by stonemaster499 on May 13, 2015 0:59:52 GMT -5
sorry for your rough experience. to be honest, i think that is the territory with gem shows. Next time, you are ready. Shawn is a retailer/ and wholesaler. His prices are fair. The gem show guy was likely sizing you up, and could be a retailer. **now please do not mix the feldspar with the quartz! feldspars require soft stone methods, and can be done with excellent results, but should be done when you are ready to do more difficult stones. Successfully done quartzes and rhyolites? Then your ready to try!
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Post by orrum on May 13, 2015 10:17:20 GMT -5
Hey you might have really good stones there too! Maybe he sold you cab grade as tumbling rough because tumbling was what you wanted. Just trying to be positive. I have pulled some one cab wonders out of small rough. If you put up pictures we might be able to tell. If you can't do pics it's ok, I can't either, digital shy issues I have.
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,547
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Post by tkvancil on May 14, 2015 16:10:53 GMT -5
If you got cabbing rough your going to have some nice tumbles. I wouldn't mix the moonstone and amethyst either. The softer moonstone will suffer.
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Post by Toad on May 14, 2015 16:36:55 GMT -5
That's how we all learn.
I rarely go to gem/mineral shows because if there is any rough, it is usually over-priced as you found. Plus a lot charge you at the door or to park, and if I don't find anything I feel ripped off.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,711
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Post by Fossilman on May 14, 2015 17:58:09 GMT -5
Gem shows are usually double or triple on regular prices!!!!!! I won't buy from a dealer there,unless I know who it is-than I buy at wholesale prices.. What kind of tumble are you looking for? I hound the rivers around here a lot and find agates,petwood,lots of jaspers of any color.....Nothing fancy,but its all tumble material....
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Paul
starting to shine!
Member since April 2015
Posts: 38
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Post by Paul on May 15, 2015 15:07:33 GMT -5
Hey you might have really good stones there too! Maybe he sold you cab grade as tumbling rough because tumbling was what you wanted. Just trying to be positive. I have pulled some one cab wonders out of small rough. If you put up pictures we might be able to tell. If you can't do pics it's ok, I can't either, digital shy issues I have. I'll put up some pics when I get home. Would appreciate the feedback. I don't think that's what it is, but I'll post some pictures tonight. I'm not sure what "cabbing rough" is anyway. I am disappointed that he told me I could tumble the two together and I'm glad you saved me from doing that. I think I'll stick to the rock shed from now on.
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Paul
starting to shine!
Member since April 2015
Posts: 38
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Post by Paul on May 15, 2015 18:56:27 GMT -5
Here is the rough I bought. I think this is just plain 'ol tumbling rough. 1lb each. Moonstone Full sizeAmethyst Full sizeWhat sort of rough can I tumble the moonstone with since I can't tumble it with the amethyst? Gonna order some stuff from The Rock Shed. Thanks, Paul
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,711
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Post by Fossilman on May 15, 2015 19:54:02 GMT -5
We all learn that way Paul............It gets better! Thumbs up
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,547
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Post by tkvancil on May 16, 2015 7:41:38 GMT -5
paul , Rockshed's site has the mohs hardness of the rough listed. Moonstone is a mohs 5.5. I'd be comfortable mixing it with any rock in the 5 to 6 mohs hardness range. I currently have a batch of mixed softer materials running. Sodalite, Salmon Feldspar, Obsidan and a bit of Moonstone as well as some locally collected feldspars. The batch is doing well. I'd consider getting some ceramic cylinders as well. The large ones. They make good filler and provide cushioning when used generously.
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