georgeb138
having dreams about rocks
Member since April 2017
Posts: 68
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Post by georgeb138 on Jul 21, 2017 23:51:28 GMT -5
Got some Iolite by mistake(eBay, go figure) considering keeping it, but want to know what I would be getting into before contacting the seller. Does anyone have any advice on tumbling Iolite? I know some minerals can be tricky(learning that with some mahogany obsidian currently) anything I should be aware of with the Iolite? All input is very much appreciated.
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Post by coloradocliff on Jul 22, 2017 0:45:52 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum and a big howdy from Colorado . Never tumbled it. Hard so should do fine. A gem quality so it shouldn't have pitting or micro fracture problems if you run a medium to heavy slurry. Probably someone will come along tomorrow who has tumbled it and will tell you of any special precautions. Cliff
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Post by orrum on Jul 22, 2017 4:23:02 GMT -5
Waiting on the answer. I saw some chea and got it.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
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Post by Fossilman on Jul 22, 2017 8:52:34 GMT -5
I have tumbled Oolite,it turned out great! Don't tumble it with agate,jasper and (or) petwood though...
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2017 21:12:39 GMT -5
I have tumbled Oolite,it turned out great! Don't tumble it with agate,jasper and (or) petwood though... He has Iolite Aka waterstone. Congratulations on your success with polite.
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Post by coloradocliff on Jul 22, 2017 21:56:27 GMT -5
I have tumbled Oolite,it turned out great! Don't tumble it with agate,jasper and (or) petwood though... Why Mike Does the harder rocks chew it up?
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georgeb138
having dreams about rocks
Member since April 2017
Posts: 68
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Post by georgeb138 on Jul 22, 2017 21:57:26 GMT -5
I have tumbled Oolite,it turned out great! Don't tumble it with agate,jasper and (or) petwood though... Why Mike Does the harder rocks chew it up?
Iolite is a 7-7.5 on mohs from what I've seen. I would think the iolite would tear up the jasper etc..
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Post by coloradocliff on Jul 22, 2017 22:03:16 GMT -5
Why Mike Does the harder rocks chew it up?
Iolite is a 7-7.5 on mohs from what I've seen. I would think the iolite would tear up the jasper etc.. Then I wonder why warning not to mix them, That hard then nothing would be torn up, Just reread the post..oolite was what he was referring to !! When you are tumbling them I would really like to see how they do and what they look like when they're are finished. Take a polish you think ? Sounds like it isn't as pretty as you been tumbling but might be interesting.
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georgeb138
having dreams about rocks
Member since April 2017
Posts: 68
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Post by georgeb138 on Jul 22, 2017 22:09:14 GMT -5
Iolite is a 7-7.5 on mohs from what I've seen. I would think the iolite would tear up the jasper etc.. Then I wonder why warning not to mix them, That hard then nothing would be torn up, Just reread the post..oolite was what he was referring to !!
I think what he is saying is that agates Jasper's and pet wood are all softer and the iolite would damage them. They shouldn't be able harm the iolite because it is harder than the others. I'm not an expert(obviously) but that's what makes sense to me in that situation.
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Post by coloradocliff on Jul 22, 2017 22:14:23 GMT -5
oolite not your Iolite George. I was thinking that too and that's why I said would tear it up, probably crumble the oolite but wouldn't faze your Iolite.
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georgeb138
having dreams about rocks
Member since April 2017
Posts: 68
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Post by georgeb138 on Jul 22, 2017 22:38:38 GMT -5
oolite not your Iolite George. I was thinking that too and that's why I said would tear it up, probably crumble the oolite but wouldn't faze your Iolite. I was assuming the oolite was a mis-type, lol.
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Post by coloradocliff on Jul 22, 2017 23:08:11 GMT -5
oolite not your Iolite George. I was thinking that too and that's why I said would tear it up, probably crumble the oolite but wouldn't faze your Iolite. I was assuming the oolite was a mis-type, lol. Grin If it were me I wouldn't tumble it. Make whetstones for midgets. hehehe
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,796
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Post by gemfeller on Jul 22, 2017 23:27:13 GMT -5
Iolite (cordierite) aka "water sapphire" has a distinct basal cleavage that might be a problem in tumbling. I've never tumbled any so I can't say for sure but if I were to try it I'd use a tumbler with gentle action like my Minisonic to avoid rocks banging hard against one another. The best grades of iolite make attractive faceted gems and some jewelers misrepresent it as Tanzanite. There's a superficial color resemblance but Iolite doesn't have nearly the brilliance (lower R.I.) of Tanzanite.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2017 1:46:56 GMT -5
I know it can chip and split easily when grinding, so perhaps trim off anything that looks like it could chip off and add plastic pellets to keep the pieces from knocking against other rocks. I haven't tumbled this myself, but have seen tumbled pieces, so it can be done. Makes very pretty blue to purple gems, and the fairly recent finds of "sunstone" iolite can be spectacular once polished.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2017 21:20:53 GMT -5
aDaveSee what I mean? Text me.lets not hijack this thread any further
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Post by coloradocliff on Jul 23, 2017 21:31:32 GMT -5
Thank you, two of our most wise members for passing this on down the line. @rocks2dust and gemfeller
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Post by aDave on Jul 23, 2017 22:28:47 GMT -5
aDave See what I mean? Text me.lets not hijack this thread any further Wait...what did I miss?
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Post by coloradocliff on Jul 23, 2017 23:03:38 GMT -5
aDave See what I mean? Text me.lets not hijack this thread any further Wait...what did I miss? Missed nothing. You didn't post on this thread yet Dave, Its an interesting topic on an unusual tumble and we were treated to an awesome education from two of our top member. Great !!
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georgeb138
having dreams about rocks
Member since April 2017
Posts: 68
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Post by georgeb138 on Jul 23, 2017 23:04:35 GMT -5
Thanks everybody! Much appreciated!
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Post by coloradocliff on Jul 24, 2017 0:50:25 GMT -5
Thanks everybody! Much appreciated! Thank you George for presenting it. Was very interesting and we lesser members got a bit more knowledge from a couple of our sage members. So what you going to do? return it or roll it? If it were mine, I would tumble it like gemfeller suggested. I'm Curious George.. grin..
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