rollingstone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since July 2009
Posts: 236
|
Post by rollingstone on Dec 8, 2004 0:46:46 GMT -5
I finished up a 6 lb batch the other day, posted the local rocks in separate thread, these pics here are an assortment of purchased materials from various sources. Rocks went through a 5-stage grind cycle, with one week per cycle for everything past coarse grind. Coarse grind varies from a couple of weeks for the dalmation stone, to a month for the amethyst, and even longer for the agate (the agates shown here are the first to squeak through after a month in coarse, there's a bunch more that need longer in coarse). I was pretty happy with everything except maybe the dalmation, which I would have liked a better shine on. For size reference, a Canadian quarter is identical in size to a US quarter. First up, dalmation stone. This is rutilated quartz from a local rock shop. Tiger eye from the Rockshed. Tiger eye a bit closer. Brazilian agate from a local rock shop. Not great banding, but I really like it anyway. The same agate, backlit to show banding on the thinner stones. This is one of those mini-geodes you often see for sale in hobby stores or science shops. I just tumbled it until the rind wore off (took over a month in coarse). I had a second one, but wore through to the hollow part. And lastly is Mr. Big Amethyst, from a local rock shop. I've been trying to do one fairly big rock in a barrel lately. I think the bigger stones are eye-catching enough because of their size to sit out as individual display rocks. Thanks for looking!
|
|
|
Post by rockyraccoon on Dec 8, 2004 1:31:28 GMT -5
those are all nice! the dalmations stones look great but of course you can see them better than me. what polish did you use on them? i used cerium on mine and they turned out nice though not as shiney as some of the rocks i've done in the titanium oxide. i threw a few of the dalmations in some tin oxide later on and i couldn't tell any difference between the cerium and tin on them. i'll have to throw some in the next batch i do in titanium - which i'd really like to do if they would ever get out of 60/90 . kim
|
|
Banjocreek
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since March 2003
Posts: 1,115
|
Post by Banjocreek on Dec 8, 2004 1:41:09 GMT -5
Very nice job on those. There is not any I do not like. Top quality shine. I was able to get dalmation stone to shine nicely with Titanium. It looks to me that good judgement was used on when to more them out of the rough grind. Good going 'RS'!
|
|
|
Post by puppie96 on Dec 8, 2004 4:02:22 GMT -5
Those are really lovely, have a beautiful shine. This is a good example of how patience and perfectionism pay off.
|
|
|
Post by krazydiamond on Dec 8, 2004 7:13:49 GMT -5
wow, great shine, rollingstone! i love Mr. Big Amethyst, too! outstanding! that tiger eye is pretty spectacular too...
all good inspiration for keeping my current batches in 60/90 for a whie longer.
thanks for sharing the eye candy,
KD
|
|
HarryB41
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2004
Posts: 605
|
Post by HarryB41 on Dec 8, 2004 11:22:36 GMT -5
Awesome stones!!! The Tigereye and Brazilian Agate really caught my eye. Dern excellent job!
Harry
|
|
69beeper
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 377
|
Post by 69beeper on Dec 8, 2004 13:08:56 GMT -5
Man, that is some awesome rock!! You did an excellent job on them. All your rock looks good, but I really like the brazilian agate... what a SHINE! I have some that should be coming out in a week or so and I hope it shines as well as yours does. Jimmy
|
|
|
Post by Cher on Dec 8, 2004 15:07:17 GMT -5
Great job, I like all of it. That rutilated quartz is so cool. Thanks for sharing your pics.
|
|
rollingstone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since July 2009
Posts: 236
|
Post by rollingstone on Dec 9, 2004 3:16:18 GMT -5
Thanks for all the generous comments and tips. Sounds like maybe I should give titanium a try for the dalmation jasper.
|
|
Gromit
starting to shine!
Member since December 2004
Posts: 40
|
Post by Gromit on Dec 9, 2004 9:27:40 GMT -5
Wow! The backlighting on the agate makes them jump right out at you. That mini-geode is rather unique. I've never seen one done that way. You're quite the artist! Nice collection!
|
|