Dyeing Stones-Yes or No???

fernwood
misunderstood rock expert

Member since May 2016
Posts: 11,965

Dyeing Stones-Yes or No??? Feb 11, 2018 17:17:54 GMT -5

Quote

Post by fernwood on Feb 11, 2018 17:17:54 GMT -5

I have a crazy idea. Yes, I am a purist, when it comes to the natural color of stones. But, was thinking.... Dangerous, I know.

Have some Petoskey, a very soft stone. Was wondering what dyeing would do to it. It might ruin the natural beauty of the stone, or it might enhance it.

I have dyed hardwood in the past, with great results. Have a recipe, which I think would work.

So, here is what I am thinking...

Two Petoskey Stones. One to be put in a solution of rust colored dye, made by myself from organic materials. The other put in a solution of dark brown dye, which I will also make from organic materials. Will need to experiment with natural additives to ensure the dye will remain in and penetrate the stone fully. Will check weekly, rinse the stones and let them dry. Then make adjustments as needed.

This will be a several month project, but I am excited to try.

But, if I receive comments saying I should forget it, then might.

Thanks!

Listen to the rock. The rock knows its destiny. It will guide you in fulfilling that.

www.facebook.com/Native-Inspirations-1212045702232918/
somethingspecialwi.com/list/member/native-inspirations-5975
www.flickr.com/photos/145230675@N04/albums

mohs In Memoriam RIP mohstly Member since January 2009 Posts: 19,412	Dyeing Stones-Yes or No??? Feb 11, 2018 18:11:52 GMT -5 fernwood likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by mohs on Feb 11, 2018 18:11:52 GMT -5 its an interesting idea that definitely needs to be tried especially the petosky I thing the contrasting may come out really psychy post result obviously
	dazagneiss

MsAli misunderstood rock expert Member since October 2017 Posts: 11,455	Dyeing Stones-Yes or No??? Feb 11, 2018 18:13:24 GMT -5 fernwood and gemcrusty like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by MsAli on Feb 11, 2018 18:13:24 GMT -5 I say why not? Be interesting to see what happens
	Follow us on IG @ BETTERTOGETHERROCKS and our new adventure YOUTUBE: Bettertogetheradventures Just start by creating your day. Then create your life. Prince, The Beautiful Ones

Deleted
Deleted Member

Member since January 1970
Posts: 0

Dyeing Stones-Yes or No??? Feb 11, 2018 18:16:33 GMT -5 fernwood and grumpybill like this

Quote

Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2018 18:16:33 GMT -5

I personally abominate dyed stones. That said, there is always a market for them, the gaudier they are, the more they seem to sell. I see no harm in experimenting on some lower quality pieces to see what happens.

Various copper salts and analine dyes seem to be the choices of the folks who dye otherwise drab Brazilian agates, so you should be able to find some recipes online for those that should also work for Petoskey stone.

I for one, would be interested in seeing your results: though I personally don't like dyed and color-enhanced stones, I still like info on how it's being done (every little bit helps spot those stones out there that are being fraudulently sold as "natural").

Last Edit: Feb 11, 2018 18:17:30 GMT -5 by Deleted

mohs In Memoriam RIP mohstly Member since January 2009 Posts: 19,412	Dyeing Stones-Yes or No??? Feb 11, 2018 18:18:46 GMT -5 fernwood likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by mohs on Feb 11, 2018 18:18:46 GMT -5 wow I forgot about dyed Brazilians yep some really go for that I even bought a chime o dye ha ha
	dazagneiss

fernwood misunderstood rock expert Member since May 2016 Posts: 11,965	Dyeing Stones-Yes or No??? Feb 11, 2018 19:04:23 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by fernwood on Feb 11, 2018 19:04:23 GMT -5 This would not be gaudy, artificial looking colors like red or blue, but more natural tones. Just wondering what they might look like. I am always looking for something unique and love to experiment.
	Listen to the rock. The rock knows its destiny. It will guide you in fulfilling that. www.facebook.com/Native-Inspirations-1212045702232918/ somethingspecialwi.com/list/member/native-inspirations-5975 www.flickr.com/photos/145230675@N04/albums

captbob no longer being taken for granite St. Pete FL Member since December 2007 Posts: 8,186	Dyeing Stones-Yes or No??? Feb 11, 2018 19:19:11 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by captbob on Feb 11, 2018 19:19:11 GMT -5 forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/381 forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/29331 forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/26828
	Dogs are unlimited lines of joyful credit with a payment that comes due all at once.

spiceman
fully equipped rock polisher

Member since February 2016
Posts: 1,251

Dyeing Stones-Yes or No??? Feb 11, 2018 21:23:18 GMT -5 fernwood and gemcrusty like this

Quote

Post by spiceman on Feb 11, 2018 21:23:18 GMT -5

That seems like a good idea.
If you never try, you may never know.
Go for it.

If you ruin the stones then you learned but if you have good results you have also learned.
Again, if you learn then you are a winner.

fernwood misunderstood rock expert Member since May 2016 Posts: 11,965	Dyeing Stones-Yes or No??? Feb 12, 2018 7:44:40 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by fernwood on Feb 12, 2018 7:44:40 GMT -5 Thanks for the links. Informative.
	Listen to the rock. The rock knows its destiny. It will guide you in fulfilling that. www.facebook.com/Native-Inspirations-1212045702232918/ somethingspecialwi.com/list/member/native-inspirations-5975 www.flickr.com/photos/145230675@N04/albums

vegasjames
no longer being taken for granite

Member since June 2013
Posts: 9,500

Dyeing Stones-Yes or No??? Feb 12, 2018 10:46:06 GMT -5 fernwood likes this

Quote

Post by vegasjames on Feb 12, 2018 10:46:06 GMT -5

Feb 11, 2018 19:19:11 GMT -5 captbob said:

forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/381

forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/29331

forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/26828

The one link talks about using potassium permanganate as a dye. Not recommended. This stuff is a very strong oxidizer and can set some things on fire or detonate them. And it is not stable. It can chemically react with so many things for instance it is used as a test for peroxide turning brown in the process. And I had some old solution in a jar and it started plating the glass jar with a metallic coat. Of course that could look pretty interesting in stones. It would be hard though to maintain the purple and again it can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing so I do not recommend it.