metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 16, 2017 18:07:04 GMT -5
Just to think, if I'd taken a picture of the rough I could have put this one in (oh and taken a decent photo!)... Australian Koroit Boulder Opal And I had to spin the image to make it a heart, but you'd never know it was upside down if I didn't tell you! Anyhow, this is likely to be the last cab from me for a short while. Enjoy
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 16, 2017 18:01:04 GMT -5
Piece number three is very interesting in that it exhibits many of the properties of both chrysocolla and turquoise. I am going to call it turquoise. Variquoise? BTW just because you paid a good amount of money for it doesn't mean its a good 'quoise (and sometimes the opposite can also be true!). Good store can be put in acquiring it from a reputational dealer with a line of long-established business relationships.
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 16, 2017 17:56:19 GMT -5
A little late to the party but White swarf on cutting turquoise
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 15, 2017 13:54:34 GMT -5
I can't really add to what has been said above. With a little research I might be able to repeat it!! The polymetric name is rock solid in facetting (forgive the pun).
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 15, 2017 13:51:21 GMT -5
I think we should be encouraging participation rather than putting it off. There's precious few enough contest entries!
From the link I posted earlier: 'In the early 1700’s, the heart shape changed again. As you can see from the pictures, the heart itself looks more like a pear shape but is recognizable as a heart to modern eyes.'
All good in my book.
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 15, 2017 13:44:49 GMT -5
The lapis lace set is killer. You know I love the rhodo too! Will that jasper go up a gear yet, or is it just more muted? It may... I went to 50k wheel an I don't know what else to do. Have any tips??? Would a polish of some kind work? Not beyond 50k!! Only questions/suggestions would be did you step up gradually all the way? If you missed a (reasonable) step then that might mute the shine. Alternatives would be to dry different materials. Presuming the 50k is diamond, how about AlOx or Cerium Oxide, Zam polishes (or tumble-finish)? Just thinking aloud. Does anyone else have experience of working Martin Jasper might be able to offer help or note that you've got as good as it will go?
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metalsmith
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Member since October 2012
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 14, 2017 13:43:44 GMT -5
The lapis lace set is killer. You know I love the rhodo too! Will that jasper go up a gear yet, or is it just more muted?
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 12, 2017 16:18:01 GMT -5
I'm just eyeballing a similar 4 wheel arbor here in the UK; good to know it is good. Now just to find !!10 gallons!! of slabs Good news: update: sniped 4 x 8" nova wheels: 280, 600, 1200, 3000 (the first 2 need a refurb) and 4 wheel arbour (needs motor) secured via ebay: Lortone Beaver
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 12, 2017 13:22:53 GMT -5
I haven't cut chalcopyrite, but I've carved hearts (example this sodalite) using small circular diamond disks and carborundum grinding bits. In fact I'll be posting another shortly ... watch this space. This spaceI might need to go down on the grits then back up in the groove before I'm quite happy!
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 12, 2017 7:30:30 GMT -5
Great result. You might not need to see what's going on, but I know I would prefer to. What counts is what comes out and that looks great.
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 12, 2017 3:04:02 GMT -5
Yes, variscite will also test positive for phosphate since it is also an aluminum phosphate. Variscite generally has a different look and tends to be a little softer. If not sure you can always run tests for copper or chromium. As for differentiating aluminium phosphate from copper aluminium phosphate? What about simply dissolving the stone in nitric? Copper nitrate has color. Aluminium nitrate is colorless? Holy sh**!! Chemistry!! ... witchcraft!
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 12, 2017 3:01:43 GMT -5
Jasper. With such different properties from Turquoise, they should be easy to tell apart: "it offers quite different qualities and energies. Considered the stone of evolution, African Turquoise brings about great change and transformation within life. Its encouraging energy opens minds to the possibility of newness. This stone helps us to see the need for development and metamorphosis, and provides the balance and confidence necessary to further the process of self-development. It will renew your spirit, energy, and path in life. Carry it with you, and you will feel its reassurance as you meet new possibilities" sourceDid it come with a white sage leaf that you can use to clear energies before using? Whereas turquoise is a blueish mineral. No sage.
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 12, 2017 2:57:24 GMT -5
Hardness ... SG?
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 12, 2017 2:49:11 GMT -5
12 lbs of slabbettes is pretty epic still haha. Remember my clue about the fitting snuggly in the box? I left it open to the imagination... as it turns out two of the clear jugs just barely fit in the box with the sides bulging 12lbs of slabettes is very epic ...kudos
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 12, 2017 2:25:39 GMT -5
Strewth ... great Ozzy!
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 11, 2017 17:04:31 GMT -5
Way too clean ... btw that rhodo looks amazing!
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 11, 2017 17:02:41 GMT -5
Have a really wonderful day!
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metalsmith
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Member since October 2012
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 11, 2017 13:45:53 GMT -5
That is going to be really sweet! I love the shape of your particular heart! I believe that's called a Witches' Heart and a link corroborates this
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metalsmith
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 11, 2017 13:41:41 GMT -5
My entry Purple Burro Creek Porcelain Jasper / Pastelite / Damsonite whichever way the wind is blowing for you: The vein was cut with a 40mm diameter diamond blade and a carborundum pendant grinder: it could do with a little additional polishing with and intermediate grit(s), before the fine ones. The heart itself took a good polish. The making of Shot Thro' the Heart Finished Cab
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metalsmith
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Member since October 2012
Posts: 1,537
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Post by metalsmith on Feb 11, 2017 11:03:08 GMT -5
I haven't cut chalcopyrite, but I've carved hearts (example this sodalite) using small circular diamond disks and carborundum grinding bits. In fact I'll be posting another shortly ... watch this space.
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