|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 22, 2021 20:04:16 GMT -5
Nice slab, haven't seen a cold mountain look like that.
|
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 22, 2021 9:04:27 GMT -5
You can pick up apache tears and maybe a shark tooth not too far away
|
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 20, 2021 20:23:11 GMT -5
where did you find chlorastrolite that huge? Can't give up my source. They are out there but are very expensive. Have quite a few smaller ones I haven't gone through. |
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 20, 2021 17:41:06 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 20, 2021 5:18:07 GMT -5
Hmmmm ... I know some rubies glow. Let's ask gemfeller . I'm pretty sure he'll know the answer. I have a couple of thoughts hummingbirdstones . First, the issue of fluorescence. I posted this link recently on another thread and maybe y'all didn't see it. Short version: the presence of chromium in corundum creates both the red hue and the fluorescence in ruby. But...not all reddish corundum fluoresces brightly because other minerals present, especially iron, can lend both a brownish hue to the red (Thai rubies are infamous for this) and dim the fluorescence. Here's the detailed story of fluorescence in corundum: www.gemstones-guide.com/Ultra-Violet-Fluorescence.htmlNow, is the stone ruby or pink sapphire? It largely depends on where you're located on this big blue orb. In the U.S. gemologists would classify it as pink sapphire. But in most other areas around the globe it would be called ruby. No one can explain why better than ruby & sapphire expert Richard Hughes who literally wrote the book with that exact title. It's considered the "bible" on the subject. www.lotusgemology.com/index.php/library/articles/295-pink-sapphire-padparadscha-walking-the-line-in-ruby-sapphire-lotus-gemologyWell kind of throws a wrench in the naming of my stone a ruby in the Far East and pink sapphire here. Thanks gemfeller. Interesting article. |
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 19, 2021 22:03:16 GMT -5
ThAnks robin. I will have to dig pretty deep to find the diamond paste. Just a thought I have one of those wooden opal wheels. Each groove is labeled for grit. Any thoughts other than someone else used it and labeled it. The wood wheels are perfect for polishing opal. Test drive a spare polished stone first (softer would be better so you can see scratches) on each of the grits you plan to use to make sure there's nothing gnarly on them that'll scratch it all to hell. Add a tiny bit of oil on those wheels too, for the same reason as above. If you haven't used it, the wood is probably a little dry anyway. Hopefully whoever used it before was cutting opal and was careful about the grits. You have the best Ideas. Great way to figure it out. Thanks Miss Robin. |
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 19, 2021 22:01:42 GMT -5
Here's a better look Miss Ali and another question. Rubys and sapphire are the same except for color. When they be one red they're a Ruby, any other color they're sapphires. So I bought this one as a Ruby but to me it's pink. So am I going to call it a sapphire or ruby.
Nice work, Billy! I think that calling your corundum a pink sapphire is more accurate.
Kind of what I figured which is why I asked. I was going to go that way if there was no answer. You should see them glow under a black light. Prob take a picture later and post it. |
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 19, 2021 22:00:08 GMT -5
Nothing to do with your question...but those middle two in the last group photo are gorgeous to me! (You know, the ones not sapphire or ruby...) Those stones are MI greenstone, fairly rare that size but not impossible to get. |
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 19, 2021 19:19:10 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 19, 2021 19:16:55 GMT -5
No polishing wheel with rouge on that opal. Do you happen to know what the last grit used on it was?
No matter, really. If you don't have any, get some 14K and 50K diamond paste and some felt buffing wheels for your Foredom. Use the 14K first SLOW on the Foredom so the opal doesn't get too hot to polish it good. Check often with your fingers to make sure and if it's getting a little too warm wait until it cools off or dunk it in some room temperature water. As long as it's not too hot, it won't hurt it. Wash it well and then go on to the 50K and do the thing. That should bring it up to it's full shine potential. 
Please post another picture of it when you're done.
I'm really digging these new pendants you're making!
ETA: Use a drop or two of some type of light oil (sawing machine oil, etc. or extender oil for lapidary use if you have some) on the felt buffs with the diamond paste so the diamonds can spread out evenly.
ThAnks robin. I will have to dig pretty deep to find the diamond paste. Just a thought I have one of those wooden opal wheels. Each groove is labeled for grit. Any thoughts other than someone else used it and labeled it. |
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 19, 2021 18:52:54 GMT -5
I have never but want to see more of that awesome material.
|
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 19, 2021 18:50:45 GMT -5
Any chance you can buff it with a soft cloth and polishing paste? It looks great in your first pictures but looks like it could use a spit and shine on the last photo. Beautiful work. I could do that. I did rub it some with a polishing cloth. What would you recommend for paste? Cerium? Alum oxide? |
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 19, 2021 18:42:39 GMT -5
Here's a better look Miss Ali and another question. Rubys and sapphire are the same except for color. When they be one red they're a Ruby, any other color they're sapphires. So I bought this one as a Ruby but to me it's pink. So am I going to call it a sapphire or ruby.  |
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 19, 2021 17:46:13 GMT -5
A few years ago I bought a box of black jade and magnesite from California. I bought it off someone here on the forum. Is it you? I need some more. Maybe it wAs jade and hemitite?
Thanks in advance.
|
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 19, 2021 16:55:59 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 18, 2021 19:17:44 GMT -5
Nice
|
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 17, 2021 19:04:17 GMT -5
Gas powered  |
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 17, 2021 10:31:45 GMT -5
Those are tumble good size. They look partially tumbled already? Chuck They are. Been riding off and on in a tumbler. |
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 17, 2021 9:45:21 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 17, 2021 9:43:47 GMT -5
Thanks! All this banding is making me want to start shopping for some lakers again. Chuck Might have a bunch in the one to 1.5 inch range. Here's two that came out of the bucket. |
|
