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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 15, 2019 11:56:51 GMT -5
Anyone ever tumble pietersite? I know it is mixed hardness, but I was thinking 500 and polish. I have a thin slab to do earrings. If I can tumble in my vibe that would be perfect.
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peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
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Post by peachfront on Jul 15, 2019 14:22:33 GMT -5
I haven't cut mine yet. I assumed it would tumble similar to Tiger Eye but I bought it a long time ago so I might be remembering wrong.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 15, 2019 14:47:57 GMT -5
I haven't cut mine yet. I assumed it would tumble similar to Tiger Eye but I bought it a long time ago so I might be remembering wrong. I was thinking that, too. But, I haven't tumbled any tiger eye.
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,019
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Post by gemfeller on Jul 15, 2019 15:42:57 GMT -5
It depends on the Pietersite. Some is pretty "tender." I've had pieces break away along the pattern lines while rough grinding. If your vibe is very gentle like my Mini-Sonic I might try it, but not with any machine that might cause more stress. Just my 2 carats' worth.
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peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
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Post by peachfront on Jul 15, 2019 15:59:03 GMT -5
I had beautiful results in the rotary with Tiger Eye. Does this suggest Pietersite is more fragile? Or it depends on the piece?
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,019
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Post by gemfeller on Jul 15, 2019 18:52:42 GMT -5
I think it depends on the piece. Pietersite with long cohesive fibers like the attached should tumble ok. But some is fragmented and re-healed, like brecciated jasper, and that's the kind I've had issues with. It may be that not all of the re-healed parts are as strong as the original fragments.
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peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
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Post by peachfront on Jul 17, 2019 18:32:47 GMT -5
OK. I haven't cut into my piece of rough yet to see exactly... another item for the "to tumble" list.
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