grace
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2016
Posts: 1
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Post by grace on Apr 3, 2016 10:08:23 GMT -5
Hi everyone! I have rough labradorite that my husband bought for me. I put it through the first 2 phases but stopped because it seems to be flaking or chipping. How do you polish labradorite? Thanks!
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,711
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Post by Fossilman on Apr 3, 2016 10:55:13 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum Grace.......I have never tumbled labradorite,but I'm sure someone will be one shortly to answer your question....
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,711
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Post by Fossilman on Apr 3, 2016 10:57:31 GMT -5
I did "Google" this information though,don't know if it would help or not....
Quote "A few feldspars are popular as tumbled stones. These include amazonite, moonstone, labradorite and sunstone. They can be challenging to tumble because they have planes of cleavage which will cause the stone to break if it gets roughly tossed about in the tumbler barrel. The chance of breakage can be reduced by filling the barrel to the proper level and cushioning with plastic pellets or small ceramic media." Quote
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Post by Jugglerguy on Apr 3, 2016 12:00:33 GMT -5
Hi Grace, welcome to the forum. I have never tried labradorite, but it sounds pretty tricky to tumble. I found this old thread about failed and successful attempts. Keep us updated about your progress!
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,562
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Post by jamesp on Apr 3, 2016 14:10:56 GMT -5
Good luck, felspars and labrodolite look great till about 500-1000 when they undercut or thin cleavage planes start to chip off. Then disappointment. Tried it several ways and no luck. Did dry tumbled it in a vibe to a matte finish with less undercutting.
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,352
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Post by quartz on Apr 3, 2016 22:03:44 GMT -5
I've had good luck tumbling it in a fairly small barrel [1qt.]. made of soft material, and kept it about 90% full with minimum water.
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indiana
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2015
Posts: 285
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Post by indiana on Apr 4, 2016 9:34:37 GMT -5
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jackangeline
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 107
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Post by jackangeline on Apr 27, 2016 12:51:35 GMT -5
Good luck, felspars and labrodolite look great till about 500-1000 when they undercut or thin cleavage planes start to chip off. Then disappointment. Tried it several ways and no luck. Did dry tumbled it in a vibe to a matte finish with less undercutting. I agree with James...but had decent luck with a dry corn cob and polish for several days... Tricky stuff above 500-1000g (AO)
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