August 2018 FCC

I picked up a couple slabs of the Mojave turquoise from Maryanne and her husband Ralph (RIP 2014) stonesthatrock on our excursion to Q in Jan 2012. Was just waiting for the perfect occasion to cab them up. One is mostly blue turquoise with the brassy color, the other is the purple flavor - Mojave Purple. I think it is rather striking.

The dome is not quite as "domed" as I usually make them, but for a good reason. First of all, the slab was a little on the thin side, only about 3/16th of an inch thick. And second, I was concerned about the possibility of any pits/voids opening up, as the "stone" is made from compressed bits. When is enough enough? I think I came up with a happy compromise. No surprises.

Both Mojave Turquoise slabs I purchased.  Regular blue one -

And the Purple Mojave.  Took photos of the slab before and the preform, but can't find them now.   This is what's left of the slab

This is slab dry, finished cab and pieces removed.  (Sorry, best I can do...)

Didn't want to break out my saw for just one cut, so this is scored and broken.

Finished cab.

First time working this material.  One thing I learned cabbing it on my flat lap is the brass discolored my laps, leaving dark marks on them. Oh well. Most likely only cosmetic, don't think it will affect how they cut in the future. Sort of like staining from Lavic rocks, lol.

Hope you like it!