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Post by miket on Jan 15, 2019 12:30:19 GMT -5
First, from what I've seen this is chalcedony. Tons of it around here, in different colors. I'm just wondering if it's worth tumbling, I picked up this piece just to try it out. Thanks.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 15, 2019 12:36:54 GMT -5
Since it's chalcedony, it should polish up nice. I'd try it, why not?
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Post by MsAli on Jan 15, 2019 12:52:38 GMT -5
Yep, throw it in
It comes out beautifully
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Post by 1dave on Jan 15, 2019 13:02:58 GMT -5
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Post by fernwood on Jan 15, 2019 14:20:04 GMT -5
Chalcedony is mostly a catch all term for certain rocks with a waxy appearance and a 7 mohs hardness. These include agates and some jaspers. Yes, it should tumble the same as any 7 mohs rocks.
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Post by Peruano on Jan 15, 2019 14:25:40 GMT -5
The solid material is good stuff for taking a polish, but your photos seem to depict a graininess that might indicate some rotten spots (why do I say rotten, well they tend to crumble out -- they may be impurities, oxidized spots, or tiny voids that constitute a weak spot). I'm comparing it to Pedernal Chert from near Abiqui NM, which I have tumbled a lot of. Often the crumbly stuff is where the pink or red turns to black (could it be oxidized material). Tumble it, and you will find out if that frosty-looking stuff goes away faster than the flesh colored chalcedony.
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Post by miket on Jan 15, 2019 15:32:12 GMT -5
Since it's chalcedony, it should polish up nice. I'd try it, why not? That's what I figured. If it doesn't turn out well I won't do it again, but if it turns out nice there's a bunch out there. 'Course I'll have to bump another rock to squeeze that one in...
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Post by miket on Jan 15, 2019 15:32:48 GMT -5
Yep, throw it in It comes out beautifully I'll try it, thanks.
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Post by miket on Jan 15, 2019 15:35:51 GMT -5
The solid material is good stuff for taking a polish, but your photos seem to depict a graininess that might indicate some rotten spots (why do I say rotten, well they tend to crumble out -- they may be impurities, oxidized spots, or tiny voids that constitute a weak spot). I'm comparing it to Pedernal Chert from near Abiqui NM, which I have tumbled a lot of. Often the crumbly stuff is where the pink or red turns to black (could it be oxidized material). Tumble it, and you will find out if that frosty-looking stuff goes away faster than the flesh colored chalcedony. Ok, thanks. I'm familiar with the "rotten" parts, unfortunately on some of the agates I've cut they seem to crumble in the worst possible spots. Anyway, I come across bluish, white, even pink and reddish. I'll give it a go.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
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Post by Fossilman on Jan 15, 2019 16:35:30 GMT -5
Its worth a try, I try to polish anything that will fit in my tumblers... Glass,teeth,bones,rocks,etc,etc….Hahaha
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Post by miket on Jan 15, 2019 16:58:08 GMT -5
Its worth a try, I try to polish anything that will fit in my tumblers... Glass,teeth,bones,rocks,etc,etc….Hahaha
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Post by Peruano on Jan 15, 2019 19:37:01 GMT -5
I've said it before but it bears repetition in situations like this. Never fall in love with your rock such that you are reluctant to do what you know it needs to be prettier. Rocks you hound are cheap so get on with saving them from obscurity. I love the adventure of working on a rock that I don't know how it will turn out.
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fishnpinball
Cave Dweller
So much to learn, so little time
Member since March 2017
Posts: 1,491
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Post by fishnpinball on Jan 15, 2019 19:59:59 GMT -5
There are also tons of calcite up in your area. It is a lot softer than the chalcedony. Usually the results are not as nice with it.
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Post by Lapidaryrough / Jack Cole on Jan 15, 2019 21:57:16 GMT -5
Its worth a try, I try to polish anything that will fit in my tumblers... Glass,teeth,bones,rocks,etc,etc….Hahaha Mike Your Brain on auto tumble? Jack
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