How Much To Remove In 60/90 (agate pics)

Cher
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Tumbling is addictive - Resistance is futile - You will be assimilated

Member since August 2004
Posts: 14,072

How Much To Remove In 60/90 (agate pics) Nov 5, 2004 16:12:01 GMT -5

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Post by Cher on Nov 5, 2004 16:12:01 GMT -5

Ok, here's pics of a few of the agates I have tumbling now. Would any
of you consider buying something that still had some rough parts on it if
it added to the stone?

This one has some pretty neat eyes. It's a bit too rough yet on the one
side, but I'd hate to lose those eyes.

This one is pretty smooth all over but it's got that little bit of the yellowish
outside still left. That's smoothed out pretty good but does the color distact?

Same with this one, except for the darker spots. They are still a bit indented
but if I go all the way to taking that out, it could lose a lot of the color over all.

This one has some really rich color and very tight banding. The right side is
wet to show the color better. See that dark line on the left pic, that's a hole
but I'm almost afraid I lose that neat coloring in the center of the quartz, not
to mention overall size.

This one is known as a water-level agate, another form of a laker. It's pretty
good sized, probably 2 inches long so will probably keep going with this one
until the yellow is completely gone. Right side is wet to show color better.

Man I wish I could slice this one in half ... doesn't it look like candy? I'm
thinking of letting this one go longer to see if any of the banding comes out
more on the sides. Sorry I forgot to use something for a measure but they
are all from 3/4's to 2 inches long.

Thanks for looking, appreciate any suggestions.

Cher

The very existence of flame-throwers proves that some time, somewhere, someone
said to themselves, You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm
just not close enough to get the job done.
George Carlin

krazydiamond Global Moderator Nobody knows where you are, how near or how far. Member since June 2004 Posts: 9,636	How Much To Remove In 60/90 (agate pics) Nov 5, 2004 16:20:01 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by krazydiamond on Nov 5, 2004 16:20:01 GMT -5 very cool looking stones, Cher....the answer you are looking for is all dependent on what your end use is going to be....jewelry? a nice bowl full to admire? how long have they been in 60/90? KD
	Come on you miner for truth and delusion, and shine!

Cher
In Memoriam

Tumbling is addictive - Resistance is futile - You will be assimilated

Member since August 2004
Posts: 14,072

How Much To Remove In 60/90 (agate pics) Nov 5, 2004 16:22:25 GMT -5

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Post by Cher on Nov 5, 2004 16:22:25 GMT -5

They've been in 60/90 since Oct. 13. I think some of these would make some really nice pendants/wire wrapping stones which is why I was wondering about whether or not to take more off. Would you even look at something that still had some rough areas on it if it added to the stone?

Cher

The very existence of flame-throwers proves that some time, somewhere, someone
said to themselves, You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm
just not close enough to get the job done.
George Carlin

JKowalski33
spending too much on rocks

Member since August 2004
Posts: 451

How Much To Remove In 60/90 (agate pics) Nov 5, 2004 18:14:10 GMT -5

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Post by JKowalski33 on Nov 5, 2004 18:14:10 GMT -5

i have the same thoughts for somes lakers i have going, they still show the outer rusty red colors, but i think ill let it stay because i think it makes them more interesting because they will be like one side has yellowish/reddish designs, and then the other side shows the banding on them.

rockyraccoon
no longer being taken for granite

Member since December 2003
Posts: 7,980

How Much To Remove In 60/90 (agate pics) Nov 5, 2004 20:28:46 GMT -5

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Post by rockyraccoon on Nov 5, 2004 20:28:46 GMT -5

beautiful rocks cher! in that 2nd pic that little crystal cave thing always worries me cause i think grit will get transferred into the polish stage but i have had some make it through with no problem.

kim

shorty starting to spend too much on rocks Member since November 2004 Posts: 122	How Much To Remove In 60/90 (agate pics) Nov 5, 2004 20:46:52 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by shorty on Nov 5, 2004 20:46:52 GMT -5 buitiful why mess with perfection if you dont like send to me haha shorty

cookie3rocks has started giving rock gifts Mother Nature is a grand old gal! Member since April 2004 Posts: 3,059	How Much To Remove In 60/90 (agate pics) Nov 5, 2004 22:02:52 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by cookie3rocks on Nov 5, 2004 22:02:52 GMT -5 If that's where they are at 60/90, I'd move on. The yellow places will be shiney yellow places and the "hole" in the one will just make it itriguing. cookie
	If you hit the speed bumbs really fast, you hardly feel them at all.

Toad
misunderstood rock expert

Only rocks understand me.

Member since September 2004
Posts: 12,798

How Much To Remove In 60/90 (agate pics) Nov 6, 2004 0:30:53 GMT -5

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Post by Toad on Nov 6, 2004 0:30:53 GMT -5

I agree with krazydiamond. It all depends on end use. Personally, I prefer completely polished, no rough spots. But I can also see how the unfinished look would be appreciated.

I know that's not much help, but what do you expect for 2 cents?

Convinced myself, I seek not to convince.

puppie96
driving up their electric bill

Member since November 2003
Posts: 2,773

How Much To Remove In 60/90 (agate pics) Nov 6, 2004 5:34:24 GMT -5

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Post by puppie96 on Nov 6, 2004 5:34:24 GMT -5

I'm so happy. This thread has come up just as I'm struggling with the same thing in a big way. All of those "is this anything" rocks would be destroyed by any attempt to make their shapes regular and eliminate the matrix. Plus, they have cavities full of crystals. So they will have to remain pretty natural with matrix and crystals. I don't do jewelry and I am TRYING VERY HARD not to get started making jewelry, BUT I can't help thinking about these in jewelry, and I feel very good about them. They'd be stunning, really eye catching and attention getting. This would be one of those pieces to add to your "spectacular jewelry for $50 and under" collection. They'd be really unusual and in the right market that's what they are looking for.
Rambling. Just glad to get some input on this, I'm nervous about the rocks I have going.

puppie96 driving up their electric bill Member since November 2003 Posts: 2,773	How Much To Remove In 60/90 (agate pics) Nov 29, 2004 2:55:59 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by puppie96 on Nov 29, 2004 2:55:59 GMT -5 Hey Cher -- what did you finally decide to do with these? Could you post a follow up photo? Thanks!

Cher
In Memoriam

Tumbling is addictive - Resistance is futile - You will be assimilated

Member since August 2004
Posts: 14,072

How Much To Remove In 60/90 (agate pics) Nov 29, 2004 8:02:45 GMT -5

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Post by Cher on Nov 29, 2004 8:02:45 GMT -5

Hi Pup,
They are still tumblin but when they are done I sure will. Actually, I have to go through the barrels today, guess I could take my camera down with me. I did do a little grinding here and there with the dremel to help them along.

Cher

The very existence of flame-throwers proves that some time, somewhere, someone
said to themselves, You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm
just not close enough to get the job done.
George Carlin

connrock
still telling self it's just a hobby

Ranger,,,My little buddy

Member since July 2004
Posts: 4,374

How Much To Remove In 60/90 (agate pics) Nov 29, 2004 18:40:19 GMT -5

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Post by connrock on Nov 29, 2004 18:40:19 GMT -5

Some "lakers" can be a real pain to do.

If you look at how much material you'll have to remove to get rid of the matrix you won't end up with much in the way of size.

To me a piece of jewelry can be one of two things.Rough or finished.Personally,in most cases, I don't go for the rough/finished look.

However,if the stone has a particular shape to it with no concave areas then the natural look can add to the stone and make it quite unique.

My personal opinion.

Tom

Beacon Falls,CT

puppie96 driving up their electric bill Member since November 2003 Posts: 2,773	How Much To Remove In 60/90 (agate pics) Nov 30, 2004 0:57:06 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by puppie96 on Nov 30, 2004 0:57:06 GMT -5 Thanks, Cher. I'm looking forward to the follow up!