MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Feb 23, 2009 21:05:23 GMT -5
Hi all Here is a cobble of Miracle Mile Black Jade I've been working on....my father and I found it last fall. I got a decent shine on it, but I couldn't keep it from undercutting a bit...I tried everything! I'm a little bummed about the orangepeel, but I think it still turned out decent enough...I guess this piece will just have to have a little "character"...
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SteveHolmes
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2009
Posts: 1,900
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Post by SteveHolmes on Feb 23, 2009 21:07:31 GMT -5
Very Nice piece Mike! How rare or HTF is black Jade?? Steve
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wyobrian
fully equipped rock polisher
GO VIKINGS
Member since February 2009
Posts: 1,739
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Post by wyobrian on Feb 23, 2009 21:36:25 GMT -5
that is nice mike i had a 18lb chunk i keep some sent sume to my brother john in la. and traded the rest i think it came from same place?
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Feb 23, 2009 23:20:24 GMT -5
Thamks Steve- The darker jade is more common than the lighter olive/apple/emerald jade....but usually it is just a dark green. Black jade is actually green also, it's just so dark it appears black. The jet black appearing jade like this piece is pretty uncommon. As far as finding it, well, it does take some paitence and practice...jade is rare to start with and most of it has a weathering rind on it that makes it look just like every other rock laying on the ground...but once you figure out what you are looking for, it becomes a bit easier to find... Brian...it may have...there is black jade in most locations in Wyo. where jade is found...the edwards stuff is the most sought after, but it isn't mined anymore so there isn't any available for collecting... Where in Wyoming are you?
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wyobrian
fully equipped rock polisher
GO VIKINGS
Member since February 2009
Posts: 1,739
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Post by wyobrian on Feb 24, 2009 14:38:59 GMT -5
mike i live in rawlins ...brian
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Slydog
has rocks in the head
Member since February 2006
Posts: 555
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Post by Slydog on Feb 24, 2009 22:48:06 GMT -5
Mike, I think that piece is nicely done, the 'peel' definiely adds charactor . Nice job for sure! Nona
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Feb 25, 2009 0:39:47 GMT -5
Thanks... I tried everything I could think of to reduce the orangepeel...I might take another shot at it with some very fine (1000 grit) dry sanding ane re-polish.... Mike
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Post by Bejewelme on Feb 25, 2009 7:21:38 GMT -5
Mike: Very cool, that looks awesome!
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Post by bobby1 on Feb 26, 2009 9:22:22 GMT -5
Mike, You might want to try a hardwood wheel with Rapid Polish. I find that this works and doesn't cause orange peel. Use it after the dry sanding step. I usually dry sand with a worn 600 grit S/C belt. Bob
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Post by sitnwrap on Feb 26, 2009 10:25:10 GMT -5
That is really pretty. Would love to see more pics if you do decide to polish it again. It would be a good learning tool to see what you are exactly talking about. Cause I think the polish is great the way it is.
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Feb 26, 2009 12:16:05 GMT -5
I'll probably polish it again...
Thanks for the tip Bobby...I've noticed that with this piece I'm getting the undercutting well prior to the polish stage, reguardless of what grit sanding I'm doing. The dry sanding has helped this piece a bit, but it is still undercut.
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Post by frane on Mar 2, 2009 10:22:11 GMT -5
I think it looks great as is! Fran
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