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Post by fernwood on Nov 1, 2019 7:13:26 GMT -5
Some might think this silly, but how is carat weight determined? I have this huge piece of high quality Turquoise. Dimensions are about 3.5" by 3.5" by 3/4 - 1" thick. A few areas of matrix, but mostly pure Turquoise. Is there a formula I could use based on measurements to determine carats? The thickness is a concern to me. I have no clue on how to slice it with my tile saw and trim saw. It would probably not happen and I would need to have someone else slice into slabs. I do not want to make many long, narrow slices. I have seen others get 2-3 nice slabs from a rock of this thickness. So, what would you do? I love this piece of Turquoise, as it is the largest I have ever had of this quality. Want to do justice to it. Thanks.   |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Nov 1, 2019 8:19:36 GMT -5
Hi Beth,
1 gram = 5 carats. If you have a food scale, that would work just fine.
I would use (or actually Vince would use) a very thin saw blade to cut gem quality turquoise. Otherwise you are throwing money down the drain wasting turquoise on thick kerf cuts.
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Post by rockjunquie on Nov 1, 2019 8:20:02 GMT -5
You will need a scale. You can pick up a pocket scale real cheap all over the place.
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Post by rockjunquie on Nov 1, 2019 8:21:39 GMT -5
Hi Beth,
1 gram = 5 carats. If you have a food scale, that would work just fine.
I would use (or actually Vince would use) a very thin saw blade to cut gem quality turquoise. Otherwise you are throwing money down the drain wasting turquoise on thick kerf cuts.
I have found most food scales not to be sensitive enough for ct weights. One gram off is 5 cts. It would give you an estimate, however. |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Nov 1, 2019 8:24:58 GMT -5
rockjunquie, you're correct. I just figured she might not have a gem scale sitting around.
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Post by rockjunquie on Nov 1, 2019 8:29:13 GMT -5
rockjunquie , you're correct. I just figured she might not have a gem scale sitting around. I just picked one up for under 10.00. Cheaper than they used to be. BUT, I do have a for trade scale, too. THAT was expensive as hell. I used to use more gemstones. |
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julieooly
Cave Dweller 
Member since October 2018
Posts: 721 
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Post by julieooly on Nov 1, 2019 8:37:16 GMT -5
Brifit Digital Mini Scale, 200g /0.01g Pocket Scale, 50g calibration weight, Electronic Smart Scale with 6 Units, LCD Backlit Display, Tare Function, Auto Off, Stainless Steel (Battery Included)
I have this from Amazon 16.99
LOVE it!
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Post by fernwood on Nov 1, 2019 8:37:42 GMT -5
I have a trade scale. Will get a gem scale ASAP.
Thanks.
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Post by fernwood on Nov 1, 2019 8:44:41 GMT -5
Based on trade scale this piece weighs 227 grams. Was unable to find any for trade scales that worked for this weight to determine carats. julieooly Would the one you mentioned weigh something this heavy? thanks |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Nov 1, 2019 8:46:31 GMT -5
Also need to make sure you have a gem scale that goes up to a larger gram weight for bigger rocks. My first one only went up to 50 grams, I think. I was using it for opal, so it worked fine for that. We have a few of them now. I think the largest one goes to 1,000 grams.
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Post by stardiamond on Nov 1, 2019 8:52:08 GMT -5
I bought a gram scale for around $10 before I started listing on Etsy. I just bought a digital caliper for about the same. I got tired of trying to guess putting a cab edge on a ruler.
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Post by fernwood on Nov 1, 2019 8:59:10 GMT -5
I have the caliper.
Thanks everyone, this is new territory for me, so appreciate your comments.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Nov 1, 2019 10:03:25 GMT -5
If you have a trade scale, you're good. 1,135 cts. Decent size chunk you got there, fernwood! |
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Post by fernwood on Nov 1, 2019 10:04:57 GMT -5
If you have a trade scale, you're good. 1,135 cts. Decent size chunk you got there, fernwood ! I was amazed when this was included in the package. |
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julieooly
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2018
Posts: 721
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Post by julieooly on Nov 1, 2019 16:31:34 GMT -5
Based on trade scale this piece weighs 227 grams. Was unable to find any for trade scales that worked for this weight to determine carats. julieooly Would the one you mentioned weigh something this heavy? thanks No, 200 gram max. It was listed in the description lol. |
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Nov 1, 2019 21:25:09 GMT -5
Check your scales using US coinage. Nickle weighs five grams. Five quarters weighs an ounce. Check the mint website for latest exact coin weights.
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