SilverHeights
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2003
Posts: 101
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Post by SilverHeights on Dec 9, 2003 23:28:32 GMT -5
I posted a question earlier about orange calcite. Does anyone have any answers? It was about tumbling this stone. Please read ealier post to answer. Thanks
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donwrob
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2003
Posts: 509
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Post by donwrob on Dec 10, 2003 0:27:36 GMT -5
Hi Dorothy, sorry but I have no experience with Calcite. I've never fooled with it. I've only done Flints, agates and jaspers along with some Obsidian and glass. My only advice would be to check it often in the early stages to make sure it is doing OK and pull it out early if need be. Sorry I'm not more helpful, good luck, Don
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Noah
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2003
Posts: 102
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Post by Noah on Dec 10, 2003 3:27:33 GMT -5
Its probably a good idea with this to keep the small stones out since if I'm correct its an avg to soft stone. Smaller pieces will just break away too fast and if you get too much size change quicker than you want...might wanna just throw it to the next grit a little quicker...
-Noah-
Good Luck!
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WilliamC
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2003
Posts: 416
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Post by WilliamC on Dec 10, 2003 12:47:20 GMT -5
Greetings All,
I've never tumbled calcite either, but as it is so soft, if I were to, I'd probably start out with a fine grade grit, either 220 or even 400. Just let it run for 1 or 2 days, then stop it and rinse off some pieces and see. If it is shaping up in a way that pleases you let it continue for a full week, then wash them off and sort them out. If they are shaped well go on to a pre-polish with aluminum oxide. I guess the idea is that it's always possible to return to a coarser grit, so start out with a finer grit the softer the starting rock.
Hope that helps, and please let us know how the calcite turns out.
William C
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Post by docone31 on Dec 11, 2003 20:24:15 GMT -5
Calcite, like selenite is mohs 2. It is absolutely georgeous faceted, but tumbled, if you find a piece you are lucky. It will cab and polishes with cerium oxide.
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