20 lb batch done 7/28/2024 (variety of things)

[Bob]

Rotary only. 80 grit until defect free, then 220/600/1,000 one week each, then tin oxide polish (1 week, inspect/cull, then another week), then 8 hours burnish in Ivory soap. All bought except where I note otherwise. Mediocre cellphone camera but at least on tripod.

I have experimented recently with taking out the 1,000 grit step.  Some of these are from that.

[Bob]

Everything together except last two photos in this message.


Chert I found in western Oklahoma.


Yangtze River agates and some other rocks I've brought back from China, most purchased a few I collected.


Tecovas jasper/chert I found in Texas roadsides.

[Bob]

That one all by itself to the left of the rose quartz might be artificial opal.  It's colorless.


I found almost all the pet wood and all the chert to the right of it.


That big green one I found on Lake Superior.  To the right of it is Mary Ellen jasper though I'm not 100% sure the smaller piece is too.  Lower left quartzite I found.

[Bob]

Upper left is psilomelane-laden rock plus piece of pure psilomelance and a couple of closeups of that pure one.  Found both in California desert.




Lower left is Pedernal chalcedony I found in New Mexico.


Upper right is Inferno jasper I bought in Quartzsite which I really like a lot.

[Bob]

Misc. jaspsers and chalcedonies that I haven't figured out or have not had time to sort carefully.  Most found, some purchased.

[cabby]

Those are all so beautiful! I haven’t tried tumbling yet but will definitely try your method when I do. Had checked out my local rock and mineral shop at one point (which turned out to be metaphysical stuff) and was shocked at how chipped and dull everything was! Had wondered if it’s really THAT difficult to get a good tumble, but from your post it seems like the key is just don’t be too lazy about it.

[Bob]

Jul 29, 2024 11:00:54 GMT -5 cabby said:

Those are all so beautiful! I haven’t tried tumbling yet but will definitely try your method when I do. Had checked out my local rock and mineral shop at one point (which turned out to be metaphysical stuff) and was shocked at how chipped and dull everything was! Had wondered if it’s really THAT difficult to get a good tumble, but from your post it seems like the key is just don’t be too lazy about it.

cabby, I'm in my 11th year of doing this and let things go in rough grind more than most people.  There is lots of good tumbling rough for sale on eBay and Amazon and Etsy.  Start with something simple like jaspers or agates, not crystals like you see in some of my photos.  There are tons of people here who can help you as things progress and questions arise.  I truly hope you enjoy this hobby.  It can be very relaxing in this stressful world.

[python]

Great job and gorgeous rocks!