Ready For Stage 2 - Striving For No Flaws Before Moving On

[proflev]

This is from 4 1/2 weeks of tumbling in 60/90 SC in a A-R2 Thumler's Tumbler.
I'm following Rob's suggestions in Michigan Rocks and only planning to move rocks along when they have no flaws. I know that means I'll have to be very patient and that some rocks will get pretty small or thin before they're ready. I think I will need at least double this amount of rocks before I have a full enough barrel (including ceramic media) to move on to Stage 2. I'm a little disappointed in the color/pattern variety, so as I'm continuing to add rocks to Stage 2 tumbling, I'm striving to add rough rocks with lots of color/pattern variety (e.g. petrified wood and Ohio flint).

Suggestions welcome, of course, but please be kind to the newbie.

[pebblesky]

I think you are doing a good job. On the other hand, these rocks seem to be from a typical mixed rocks pack for tumble. They were put together to make a colorful batch, but many of them don't really shine easily. Some of them might have deep fractures that you won't completely get rid of, unless you are ready to get rid of the rocks (which I did, to the first batches of the rocks I tumbled). It takes time to collect the materials that you love and are suitable for tumble. Don't be discouraged along the way

[proflev]

Thanks for your thoughtful post. You're right, many of these rocks come from a mixed collection. Others, however, came from blue quartz, mixed quartz, pigeon blood jasper, and green moss agate. Also, as I mentioned, I'm adding in some petrified wood and Ohio flint. Fingers crossed. 🤞🏼

Here's some other work in progress but, boy, is it hard to stay patient!

[jasoninsd]

I think you're making great progress on those tumbles!!

*Patience is NOT my strongest asset! LOL