Apricot Agate, Finally Done!!!

Ok guy's, they're done! I decided to try out some new stuff this time around. First off, I used an Aluminum oxide pre-polish by Lortone. Second, I tried out Chrome oxide for my first time.

Chrome oxide is a little different from most of the other polishes I've used thus far. First of all, it's a cool green color that stains everything. Even cracks in the rock. It also leaves a residue on the the rock. However, I burnished the load overnight and it all washed away. It just makes it hard to figue out how shiny the rocks are before you decide to clean them up.

Now, on the bright side of things, this stuff works great! It's hard to tell but it seems like it does the job like high-grade Cerium. It gives a great mirror finish on Agates. I've haven't tried it on jaspers yet, but I'm sure it would wotk just fine. I've heard it works good on quartz too.

Alrighty, now for the rocks! ;D These are Apricot agates from Zimbabwe. I got them from Gerdus at the mineral gallery. They ran in 60/90 for about 3 months. I recharged the grit every week. They then went in 120/220, aluminum oxide pre-polish and Chrome oxide polish for a week each.

Here are some pics of the rough. You can see why they call it "Apricot agate."









Now, here's how they look after the transformation. They sure don't look like apricots anymore. It's amazing what comes out of a rock after you expose its inner beauty!

































This particular stone, is an agate that my brother found in Oregon. He gave it to me and I told him I'd give it back when its all done.

You can really see how well the Chrome oxide worked on this baby! Look close and you can see me in the reflection.









Thanks for looking and have a great day!