Where to find rainforest rhyolite?

[nolasean]

Hey everyone, I have been looking some rainforest rhyolite to buy in order to tumble it. I can only find websites selling it already tumbled. I have checked both the Rock Shed and Kingsley. Just checking if someone knows a source.
Thanks!

[titaniumkid]

It's often called rainforest jasper, even though it's not a jasper. Maybe searching for that might help.

If it doesn't help and there aren't any suggestions, you could try contacting the company that mines it in Aus. Perhaps they can tell you who they supply it to in the US.

www.aradon.com.au/contact-us/

[QuailRiver]

Try the Gem Shop and Gem Center USA. I have seen both of them have some Rainforest rough at shows in the past. Even if they don't have it on their websites it might still be worth giving them a call.

[parfive]

Rockman69 has a few chunks for sale or best offer, shipping included.


6+ lbs      $110      www.ebay.com/itm/234652646631
7.1 lbs      $125      www.ebay.com/itm/334527198268


He’s also got some similar stuff from China
7.5 lbs      $90      www.ebay.com/itm/235362202628


Pricewise, I have no idea what’s good or bad these days.

[parfive]

Just fired up the ol’ Graphite iMac.

I got some rainforest from Rockman back in ’05 for four bucks a pound.

[titaniumkid]

Another option: you can get smaller pieces (more suitable for tumbling if you don't want to cut your own rock) from Aus. One ebay listing has two pieces for $12 (AUD). They ship to the US for around $22.50, with each additional item shipped for free.

www.ebay.com.au/itm/204064661339?chn=ps&_ul=AU&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-139619-5960-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=204064661339&targetid=1278430612776&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1000567&poi=&campaignid=19649531412&mkgroupid=146789074798&rlsatarget=pla-1278430612776&abcId=9305371&merchantid=7364522&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN6wBhCcARIsAKZvD5jpyK7-OmvM-DIgcW_WJcxo9nK6ecsEWNnnqlQgo_Nb4IWdjlWtZZMaAs76EALw_wcB&shqty=3&isGTR=1#shId

[HankRocks]

I believe I have 2 or 3 cubes, maybe 3 inch, that were going to be trimmed up for spheres. They are in a flat with various other cubes for sphere trimming and shaping. When my back get's a little bit better I will pull them out. Was not aware of the value of these, they were in a bucket full I brought home several years ago.

Here's a piece that was ready for the sphere machine that I tumble polished;


IMG_4340 by Findrocks, on Flickr

[rocknewb101]

I got a handful of slabs from a FB auction (cabs and slabs, I think) also included were mushroom and lilypad, which I'm guessing are trade names? I haven't seen anymore on there since, but might be another place to look.

[jimmie]

I’ve bought rocks from rock man on eBay. Honest guy no bs. Bad part is you don’t get the dog.

[hypodactylus]

I have purchased some from T-Rocks: www.t-rocksinquartzsite.com/product/rainforest-jasper/

The pieces will likely all be on the larger side, but the price is pretty good.

Keep in mind that if you order online, the seller is not the most communicative/responsive. You place an order and then a couple weeks later (or so) something shows up at your door.
The rocks I have received from them have all been good though.

[ronnsrockroundup]

I picked up 10 pounds from Meeko's Mine few different colors and nice solid pieces. www.meekosmine.com. Great selection of other goodies as well. Good luck.

[nolasean]

Hey everybody, thank you for the help!

[nolasean]

I ordered 3 lbs of rainforest jasper for tumbling from trocksinquartz. It was "processing" for week. I sent them an email about it and they responded that they sent me 1 3lb rock thinking that I might be cutting it. I might be using my hand sledgehammer...

[nolasean]

Finally received rainforest jasper rock. All 3.091 lbs of it. Not sure of the best way to break it for tumbling. Here are the pictures

[titaniumkid]

It's beautiful. Do you have something other than a sledgehammer?

[nolasean]

I have a hammer and a cold chisel. And a sledgehammer;) I don't have anything with a blade for cutting it .

[rockjunquie]

May 8, 2024 19:05:10 GMT -5 nolasean said:

I have a hammer and a cold chisel. And a sledgehammer;) I don't have anything with a blade for cutting it .

If you're new to breaking up rocks, do a search on the board about it. I remember seeing some cool ways to do it safely. It's not as easy as it seems, apparently.

[jasoninsd]

May 8, 2024 17:24:57 GMT -5 nolasean said:

Finally received rainforest jasper rock. All 3.091 lbs of it. Not sure of the best way to break it for tumbling. Here are the pictures

[nolasean]

[hypodactylus]

Based on my experience with Rainforest 'Jasper', there can be quite a few cracks in the material.

If I were you, I would try to identify any visible cracking and set a flat headed chisel in such a way as to attempt to break the rock along the preexisting cracks.
This will help minimize the destruction.

You could also look for a less expensive tile saw and cut the rock; many people have done similarly.

I have used (and continue to use) both methods. Each has their merits and drawbacks.