SirRoxalot
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 790
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Post by SirRoxalot on May 14, 2004 22:12:55 GMT -5
I'm thinking about buying some of the lovely deep green fluorite from Westmoreland, NH.
Given the low hardness and perfect cleavage, is anybody out there tumbling - and polishing - the stuff successfully?
(The Chinese fluorite that looks tumbled is actually done by hand.)
Any hints, kinks, or kinky hints would be appreciated. (Apologies to the Frantic Fumbler for stealing his line.)
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Post by puppie96 on May 15, 2004 3:27:09 GMT -5
I love fluorite so I've wondered about this. Based on not having seen tumbled fluorite at shows and the absence of any discussion about it, I'm guessing that it's too fragile.
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Post by mrbrett on May 15, 2004 6:38:18 GMT -5
I have tumbled 4, 1-1/2" pieces and they tumbled well. Just keep your eye on them in the first stage because they are soft.
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SirRoxalot
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 790
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Post by SirRoxalot on May 15, 2004 9:48:40 GMT -5
Exxxxxxcellent. I'm gonna give it a try. That Westmoreland stuff is outta this world. Thanks Brett!
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Post by puppie96 on May 18, 2004 2:38:47 GMT -5
Would you do a barrel of fluorite only? I haven't priced the rough at all. If you were going to mix it with others, what would it be? Thanks.
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SirRoxalot
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 790
|
Post by SirRoxalot on May 19, 2004 8:16:29 GMT -5
Rough seems to be about $3 to 4 a pound. Could perhaps mix it with calcite or glass, something soft, I dunno. Would probably have to polish it by itself though.
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Post by puppie96 on May 21, 2004 2:55:57 GMT -5
Not a terrible price. But I've got so much stuff waiting for "a free barrel...."
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