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looks like plexiglass or some acrylic
google pink acrylic crystals
https://www.amazon.com/Crystals-Treasure-Scatters-Birthday-Decoration/dp/B07C36SRSH
Even the expert miners and geologist can only make an educated guess in finding pockets. It's not an exact science. We work the minerized zone and hope for the best. Many miners go broke chasing dreams and blasting $ away to find lots of rock but no pockets. We literally drove over an area for a few years (our road into the quarry) not realizing the spectacular pockets were just under our feet https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=under+the+road+pocket&view=detail&mid=9E7F95C0442FFEE815A59E7F95C0442FFEE815A5&FORM=VIRE
Since it was a gift shop I am going to off the cuff say that it is probably some poorly transparent television stone. I have seen this stuff in gift shops across the midwest, basically anywhere tourist trap crap is sold. Nice specimens are clear as glass and transmit an image as if the stone was a giant piece of fiber optic cable. Some of the crappy quality ones I have seen recently have no transparency and the crystal structure looks like shimmery fiberglass. I don't know if chatoyancy is the correct word for that shimmer or not. That is my off the cuff guess. Lets hunker down and see if a more expert opinion emerges.
"The permanent station Alfred Faure opened at Port Alfred on Île de la Possession (both named after the first leader of the station). The station is staffed by 18 to 30 people (depending on the season) and does meteorological, biological, and geological research."
I am guessing you are one of these staffers and please tell me you are not doing genetic hybrid research.
U.S, Geologicl survey of what to expect. https://books.google.com/books?id=GFDwAAAAMAAJ&pg=SL3-PA24&lpg=SL3-PA24&dq=Possession+Island+geology&source=bl&ots=c74iuqV2Zq&sig=ypqlMzNxWmCa1Rai2emZ_97pyJc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=q1bcVPTaCYW6ggTvm4PgBg&ved=0CCsQ6AEwBw
I googled this search "gems associated with basalt possesion island" I got some interesting hits mentioning corundum,sapphire, ruby and periodot.
I see that there has been glaciation there so stream beds could be a way to find easy stuff. Other than that find some pegmatite and follow the veins.
I like the Online Etymology Dictionary. "Directly from Latin defunctus 'dead,' literally 'off-duty.'"
This type of discussion has zero funk. :(
There was a National Geographic magazine years ago that had on the cover a strawberry with diamonds where the seeds are. I seem to recall the guy only paid a hundred or so for a whole bunch of tiny cut (I think) diamonds.
https://www.amazon.com/Diamonds-Story-National-Geographic-Magazine/dp/B07ZG7YBB8
it is really hard to id just from pictures you often need to do some tests to narrow down the options. look in to this one https://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Rocks-Minerals/dp/B0098D6R6G
I'd be interested to hear what others have to say, but here's what I know:
Illinois
- Hamilton, IL - geodes
- Gravel bar on the Mississippi River just south of I-270 - supposedly Lake Superior agates can be found here. Granted, there's a chance to find them anywhere along the Mississippi River, but this is the only specific spot I've heard of.
Michigan
- Keweenaw Peninsula - all sorts of things, including unakite, Lake Superior agates, some copper if you are really lucky
- Lake Superior shoreline - same as Keweenaw Peninsula, minus the copper. Specifically, Grand Marais, Whitefish Point
- Petosky, Charlevoix, and Fisherman's Island State Park - Petosky stones & charlevoix (both fossilized coral),
- Leland - leland blue (stone-like slag)
​
This is a pretty good book to get you started. Most of Illinois's good stuff is either along the Mississippi River or way down south in Hardin County. Most of Iowa's good stuff is in the northeast of the state.
I got this one from Amazon. Cost about $10. I like that it's portable, so you can put it on any sample. Like all microscopes, it only focuses on a specific distance at a time (adjusted with the focus knob), so it works best if you can hold it up against the sample or on a flat surface to keep it still. All these pictures were taken with the zoom at the minimum position (60x magnification).
It works really well for the price, but if you/your daughter want to take a lot of pictures, I would recommend getting something else. Either a full-sized stand microscope with a camera mount, or the same company makes some slightly more expensive ones with mounts for smartphones. I don't think they had one for my phone, so I had to strap it on with rubber bands to get these pictures.
No problem, I usually buy third party flap and polishing wheels on amazon. Dremel brands are to expensive to me.
Dophee 10Pcs 240 Grit Flap Sanding Wheel Head Grinding Disc & 3mm Arbor for Rotary Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019Q7OFJE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oCKoBb5AKST4T
ZFE 88pcs Felt Polishing Pad & Polishing Wheel,Point & Mandrel Kit For Dremel Rotary tools https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0097PM17Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LDKoBb9K23VQE
Buy yourself some iron out. Amazon sells a four pound container for less than $13: Summit Brands Iron OUT Rust Stain Remover Powder, 4 lb. 12 oz. Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00103XAQC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ad8JBb23T4JWJ Mix about 1 cup of iron out per gallon of water. Don't breathe the fumes and do it outside. I let my quartz crystals soak in the sun for about a day, and then soak in straight water for a few hours after. They will look beautiful afterwards.
These are the pads I bought - there are other similar ones: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XLDYXHK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Also, I'd recommend springing for a better blade if you get the saw. I got this one, which has about half the kerf, so you waste much less material. And the sintered diamonds are the exact same width as the rest of the blade, so you can easily rub the flat surface against the SIDE of the blade to even out and fix badly done sawing. That part is kinda critical for me, since badly is the only way I know how to cut rocks: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009YUJT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Just a cheap $10 flashlight from Amazon
Escolite UV Flashlight Black Light, 51 LED 395 nM Ultraviolet Blacklight Detector for Dog Urine, Pet Stains and Bed Bug https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008133KB4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HXyyFbA01YSYN
Lots of hard looking on Alibaba and a lot of research to make sure I wasn't getting lied to on specifications. Lots of them there but not a lot in a useful SMD package that fits the 3535/219 LED pad format.
Here's one I'm looking at right now - http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/300nm-310nm-UVC-led-wholesale-price_60540298278.html?spm=a2700.7724838.2017115.44.2e31dd82ngYy32 This looks legit, fits the pad format, though they make a mistake advertising as UVC, but the efficiency is pretty much exactly what current state-of-the-art is right now for UVB.
No filter glass is on the music light model I chose, I keep it pointed away from my face and held at least 2 feet away when illuminating something.
I only did a quick search but I did find that someone was sold a working frantom 10" saw/grinder for $625 on ebay. Hopefully someone with more experience than I have will be able to help with more info than I could.
When I'm feeling fancy, I get a piece of fabric for a background, use clay to mount and position the stone, and then setup some lights. Here's an example. It works best with a tripod, and for close-ups you should check if your camera has a macro mode.
Most of the time though, I just take the stone out into direct sunlight for the picture. I recommend trying a few different angles to get a feel for what works the best.
You definietly want a respirator instead of a mask. Silicates are nothing to fool around with. You don't even realise you're breathing them in, then over time you'll end up with silicosis. A good respirator is cheap compared to not being able to breathe.
This is what I use. It's a bit overkill (P100), but for 30 bucks I don't care.
I don't know much about that side of Lake Michigan but there is a FB group called Great Lakes Rocks and Minerals that is very active. I also recommend getting Lake Michigan Rock Picker's Guide to help with identification. I found that book through this page. Happy Hunting!!
I bought the national geographic pro one which comes with a bunch of black polish blocks or foam or something. https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B086Z83SV5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It doesn't look like it comes with many loads though, so I'll try and buy a kit of different grits. I just went out into the rain and did some hunting, lots of rocks with quarts running through them, some nice blood reds and light yellows. I'll give them a wash and try to learn what they are, it 's around a week until my tumbler arrives.
Thanks, I searched amazon this morning, never saw these. They will do until I can find a set of different types. I bought these last week: https://www.amazon.com/SE-82331TF-30-Piece-Titanium-Coated-Diamond/dp/B000P49BX8/ they're terrible, chipped the edges. I'd like a better smaller set, if anyone makes them.
We did! Reading the signs at Ray and talking to other people there it seems like small hand tools are ok, as long as you don't significantly alter the terrain or streambed. The area posted for collecting is just a big hillside covered in tailings, so it's more pulling rocks out of the way than digging anyway. Breaking rocks with chisels seems fine, too. Mas Celo is on the other side of the ridge on private property, but there were no no trespassing signs. The cave is cool but we didn't see much kyanite, and the tailings there are harder to access. The kyanite we found was mostly in ditches in the old road.
Lapidary trim saws, and plenty of other saws with diamond sintered blades. (Tile saws, for a broad application.) I've got a 10" blade like this one that I use on my chop saw for cutting large pieces of rock, and I suspect OP used something like that for this piece. I've also got this lapidary trim saw, but of course, with a 6" blade it's for cutting much smaller pieces. I've also got a large set of diamond sintered Dremel attachments that are good for cutting and shaping small rocks. You certainly wouldn't want to try cutting a slab of petrified wood with that, though.
Some kinda high pressure water is probably your best bet. Garden hose with a sprayer or even a pressure washer on a low setting. I use one of these for cleaning out crannies, but it's kinda specialized, hehe
https://www.amazon.com/GENUINE-ARROW-SPOT-CLEANING-GUN/dp/B00CMFMSB0
The Nat Geo tumbler is made of plastic and notorious for not finishing rocks completely, the other two look to be too overpriced to be worth it for an “amateur” rock tumbler when you could get a “professional” one for a similar price. Look at these tumblers, they’re made my companies who only produce rock-work equipment, so their standards are a lot higher for rock tumblers.
https://lortone.com/products/model-3a
https://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Electric-Power-Tools-67631/dp/B000NOKY2W
The Chicago electric is cheaper and I’ve heard some people have had problems with its reliability. I’ve had one for about a year and done quite a few runs with it, the only issue I have is all the replacement pulley bands have snapped so I’m on the last one. But both of these tumblers will be better than the ones you suggested
I've got the same set up.
I am amazed at how well it works. Got some petrified wood up to basically a mirror finish all by itself the other day.
If you have an Android, there's an app called GPS Status that really improves satellite tracking. Without the app, you're phone uses a data connection to download the information about GPS satellites that should be in your area, and doesn't save the information so you constantly have to get updates. This app saves the information and allows you to stay connected much longer than usual and with better precision, although eventually you will have to connect to the internet again.
I use Google Earth a lot, but Google Earth on Android hasn't worked well for me without a data connection. As long as you open the app with a connection, you can use the cached images if you do lose connection. However, if you close the app (or it crashes), and you restart it, it just sits at the loading screen and never progresses. Maybe other people have had better luck.
I'm still trying to figure out which Android app to use. I have a dozen installed but I haven't used most of them very much yet. Many have an option to preload the maps, but that's usually a "pro" feature which costs money. I don't mind paying I just need to figure out which is best.
I'm trying to track my activities like you are, but I haven't found a system I'm happy with yet. Like advntrnrd said, using a physical map in addition to GPS/electronics is probably more reliable. I'm looking into using GPS tracked PDF maps, but haven't created my own yet. That way it's digital and easy to export, but I get to place the marks if the GPS accuracy isn't great.
I believe there are already apps like this. I downloaded one last month that had those types of features but was too lazy to keep it up. I'll link it here when I find it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fossilme
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.briteapps.diggersmap
This is one cobra jasper example I just found online that I thought looked similar. Like the commenter above said there is a crazy spectrum with agates, I'm probably wrong but just my 2 cents!
One of the best tools I ever picked up was a set of these: https://www.amazon.com/Toolocity-DHPSET-Diamond-Polishing-Stone/dp/B00MCL4NHG/
It's everything you need to get a decent quality polish on pretty much any stone.
Here you go! https://www.amazon.com/Arrow-CM11-Textile-Cleaning-Gun/dp/B002BGXR2E
There are a lot of clones out there but I have no idea about their quality.
It's original intent is for spot cleaning of textiles. Dry cleaners use them mostly. The jet of water it puts out is very precise and strong, so use carefully (lower pressure) on fragile specimens.
For a permanent coating, a medium viscosity cyanoacrylate like Starbond premium or 2 part Epoxy 330. Both of those remain clear over time.
/u/griffex posted a reply to you recommending another method, but unfortunately their link contained an amazon affiliate code and their comment was removed. I trimmed the link down to a less spammy form and included it here.
>As someone who tried diamond bits - they really aren't a great solution. Getting a grit fine enough for polish (3000 or so) is gonna mean switching to a buffing wheel and getting polishing compound. You're also gonna be working for a while as most burrs are fairly high grit. When polishing I work progressively through about 8-10 different grits.
>Tile saw won't really have the surface area or progressive grit either. This is why Flat laps exist. They're just a giant level grinding wheel you can swap grit plates on to get a smooth, progressive job that comes out clean.
>That said I've only used mine once. Most of the time I've just hand polished using a set of diamond granite polishing pads. A set like this is perfect -
[https://www.amazon.com/Konfor-Diamond-Polishing-Flexible-Sanding/dp/B07BPBFLFL/ref=sxin_19_pa_sp_phone_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.a7299858-3fdf-419c-9562-f22b07f393bd%3Aamzn1.sym.a7299858-3fdf-419c-9562-f22b07f393bd&cv_ct_cx=lap... attachment) works pretty good even if you don't have the wet grinder I just dip the rocks in water frequently and keep the disc wet
I would start by getting a guide book for your state and nearest neighboring states (anywhere you would reasonably drive to). In the PNW we have the Falcon guide books and the Gem Trails. I'm not sure what you have in Kansas but found this book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rockhounding-Kansas-Book-Collecting-Enthusiast/dp/B0B7XHNVKJ
Books like that should give you some basic beginner locations to go to. Some locations will be creeks you walk/kayak in and pick rocks along the way, others will be dig sites you need to bring shovels and picks to, others may be owned and allow you to come pick through their material in various ways.
The other great thing to do is join your local rockhounding club. They will likely have field trips you can join and will be full of veterans that can help you get started.
Hello, I posted recently about flat laps and am curious to know if gem faceting machines can be converted to one, as they seem so expensive! This one is only $255 on Amazon and has variable speed up to 2800 RPM. I would remove the manipulator (sold separately for $100!) and add diamond discs. Am I missing an obvious difference between this product and the $600 flat lap machines (like hi-tech). Thanks for any feedback!
Hey, reddit automatically removes posts and comments that contain links made using URL shorteners, but for amazon you can usually manually shorten it so it just contains the basic amazon URL, plus /dp/, plus the item number, like this - https://amazon.com/dp/B077N2KJSR
You can even remove the "ref" part too, and it will still work.
https://www.amazon.com/KUNPENG-Textile-Cleaning-Printers-KP-170A/dp/B077N2KJSR/
If you want to get extreme you can chop it down to this:
LPT: If you have an obnoxiously long link like that, you can delete everything from the "?" forward.
E.g.: https://www.amazon.com/KUNPENG-Textile-Cleaning-Printers-KP-170A/dp/B077N2KJSR/ref=sr_1_1_sspa
Oh. I replied to someone else from my phone thinking they were OP. For what you're describing I think a relatively cheap flashlight would work well. This is what I have: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09J885Q6N
The company makes way too many models, but that seems to be decent. It's true longwave UV with a filter that mostly prevents visible light from leaving.
From what I've seen, getting an equivalent plug in lamp would be a lot more expensive. You can buy cheap plugin "UV" lamps, but they are really just 405nm LED lamps which is on the edge of visible. They won't make some things fluoresce and they'll add a purple color to everything.
There’s a book by Patty Polk. Check the link out for the book. collecting rocks gems and minerals by Patti Polk
I've polished many stones with these pads including softer ones. Just take care with it and keep the stone wet (I keep a tub of water next to me and just dip the stone every couple of seconds. Don't apply too much pressure because they can remove material fast.
If you want higher grit for a better shine you can buy cloth pads with grit paste. I have some up to I think 30k
The problem with rockhounding and being mostly minimalistic is that I want to prevent things from looking like chaos, so I struggled for a long time with how to display my minerals and fossils. This wound up being the perfect solution!
I bought this nail polish display from Amazon to keep everything in one place and looking more-or-less professional. When I bought this is was $30ish, so hopefully the price will go down again soon.
The room this is in is pretty dark, so I had to adjust the light in the photo quite a bit resulting in the rocks, etc looking off-color.
Lol. Tagua is called 'vegetable ivory.' It all makes sense now. I just ordered some, and found out you can smoke weed with them. pipe
Unfortunately I have to use the lesser of my two cameras on these because I need Magic Lantern to make it work. Canon t3i with sigma 105mm. Typically I have magic lantern take between 6-30 photos in a focus stack, however many it takes to get crisp focus throughout the FOV. I recently started locking up the mirror as well, which has given me this extreme crispness. I then combine those photos in photoshop, make adjustments in lightroom, and share them with you!
Occasionally if I want to get in even closer I’ll add on these macro extenders. If so, I use my 77D and do the focus stacking by hand.
I appreciate your interest, doing this has really reinvigorated my interest in rockhounding and my collection.
I use this one it’s pretty easy to use:
Professional Rock Tumbler Kits for Adult Kids Stem Project-3LB Large Capacity Rock Polisher, Ultra Durable Special Belt, Quality Rocks, Speed&Time Control, Science Kits for Kids Geology Stem Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HZ4GKC5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EJN38E57GET3V1SW09VD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use a Swift compound microscope, here is the link to view it. I went with 100X magnification for these photos.
Get an Estwing Rock Pick and a sheath. You’ll have them for the rest of your life.
Estwing Rock Pick - 22 oz Geological Hammer with Pointed Tip & Genuine Leather Grip - E30,Steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YWWVE
Reddit's spam filter removed your link because it contains an affiliate referral. Here is a cleaned-up version of it that goes to the same place:
https://www.amazon.com/Baluue-Countertop-Transparent-Collectibles-Specimen/dp/B08R1R2CM4/
I tried replying first but really botched the formatting!
I used a dremel lite and these dremel attachments
It's a (Dremel Lite)[Dremel 7760-N/10 Lite 7760 N/10 4V Li-Ion Cordless Rotary Tool Variable Speed Multi-Purpose Rotary Tool Kit https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07VFB9N1S/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_SHHB1VG7AH6DBQEDYT2N] and I used these (diamond dremel attachments)[Cedilis 43-Pack Stone Carving Set - 26 Diamond Burr Bits, 10 Impeller, 4 Diamond Cutting Wheel, 3 Metal Dremel, Polishing Rotary Tools for Stone, Rocks, Jewelry, Glass, Ceramics Dremel Rotary Tools https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08KPCT2WY/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_ZXED4RBFVDJADN8TQ528] on the lowest setting.
Then I used sandpaper from 800-3000 grit. Also PPE, can't forget a mask and goggles.
We use this one. It's really powerful and can be used in daylight shadows. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CV1XW5K/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=5a2d1ee17b5a3fd287e82b072e38dd87&hsa_cr_id=4636427710801&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=f9053ea2-3cea-4a48-9a7d-9b76e2dc575a&pd_rd_w=wXw2U&pd_rd_wg=...
Ooh something made for a small display items with Velcro keeping the display down would most likely work. Something similar to this
How much are you willing to spend? You can use anything from cheap sandpaper to hand sand them to expensive lapidary equipment to quickly polish them. I've used this in a drill to polish rocks. Just keep the stone wet was you go and it's a cheap alternative to a flat lap
Jiusion 2K HD 2560x1440P USB Digital Microscope for Android Cellphone and Tablet Windows Mac Linux, 40X to 1000X Magnification Mini Endoscope Handheld Camera with Case https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09653SCG6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_GGY298T2ASFBF4WE9B68
For cutting you can get an inexpensive wet cut tile saw from Home Depot or Lowes. For polishing you can use the cheap granite sanding discs for angle grinders from Amazon. I've polished quite a few stones with those.
Nice agate. I’d slice it just a little with a tile saw to get a clean face, then I’d polish it with these for a nice, glassy shine.
Diamond Polishing Pads 4 inch Wet/Dry 8 Piece Set Granite Stone Concrete Marble https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B071ZTFYYX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_2WG7A47A37SFB48WY07P
My personal recommendation is Opticon, it's great if you can't create a mechanical surface polish.
https://www.amazon.com/Opticon-Fracture-Hardener-Lapidary-Cabochon/dp/B000OVI12E
Probably a little more expensive than some other options but it doesn't yellow and is very durable and penetrating. Leaves unpolished slabs with that wet look permanently.
Something like this?
Seems like it'd cost about the same at any rate
Unfortunately, keep your bags and items secure at all time. Don't get distracted by the beauty of the gems and accidentally set down your bag. Keep track of time too. Walk through the show in entirety once, take notes of what you like, and on your second run-through start deciding your purchases. Bring your own bags, and bring cash. Here's more tips: https://www.scribd.com/doc/261898221/The-Bedrock-Guide-to-Enjoying-Your-Next-Gem-Mineral-and-Fossil-Show
It reminds me of some rocks for tumbling I ordered some years ago.
Digging Dolls: 1 lb Sea Jasper Rough Rocks from Madagascar - Large 1"+ Raw Natural Stones for Arts, Crafts, Tumbling, Cabbing, Polishing, Wire Wrapping, Wicca and Reiki Crystal Healing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7QVLR6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_A3SBHMR714FMHWJMVQBP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Hey pal! Looks like you found a tumbled set of the 1lb rough gemstone pack from National Geographic! They look just like this
Get yourself one of these.
Magnasonic Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner with Digital Timer for Eyeglasses, Rings, Coins (MGUC500) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B007Q2M17K/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_KVRBP43NVJDKM8XHYBTK
I like it. Only dow side is it's kinda a small blade so Only small rocks can be cut with it.
Here's the link to it on Amazon SKIL 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw with HydroLock Water Containment System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J21SL6S/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_BYE0E3V8TPMW2J2SPW03?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Good entry level tumbler. I wouldn’t recommend anything that doesn’t use a rubber drum. Be sure to tumble rocks with like-hardness on the mohs scale.
Depends on what I am trying to get off. General dirt, mud, loose junk I use a strong spray from garden hose to a pressure washer. My fav tool is this : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087B5K11X/?coliid=I1AREI7B6C5W5E&colid=D8M2OAS461H6&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
I can use water or other solvents if needed.
Beyond that I remove iron stains with oxalic acid of varying concentrations similar with other staining. Finally, if it is extreme detailing the dental picks and magnifying glass come out.
Mind you all that above is on specimens I want to keep. Rest get a good rinse and or just thrown in the tumbler if that is where they were headed. If you have a specific rock type your dealing with it makes it easier to answer.
I recommend buying some books about where you can go rockhounding for free. James Mitchell wrote many great books, I use them for California collecting. They were published before widespread go’s technology so there aren’t gps coordinates for the sites but it’s really not a huge deal, the directions and maps are enough to find the sites. If you put an area and rockhounding into Amazon a good amount of books come back. This one looks interesting to me: https://www.amazon.com/Mineral-Treasures-Ozarks-Bruce-Stinchcomb/dp/0764347152/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=missouri+rockhound&qid=1620320333&sr=8-5
YASUOA Marble Style Round Ball Gear Shift Knob Acrylic Shifter Knobs Stick Shift Knobs with 3 Adapters Universal Fit for Manual Car (Gray) $13.98 on Amazon <> looks very similar!
Thanks so much for the tips! That's great to know. There are 1-inch sanding discs you can purchase in a variety of grits to pop on to the end of the Dremel:
​
Would something like this do the trick? And then finish with felt tips and cerium oxide?
An added note a lot of cheaper sand papers use garnet or flint which is about a 7 or so hardness. That means it may not be hard enough to sand your rock depending on its composition. Aluminum oxide or silicon carbide papers (drywall) are usually a 9 so anything short of diamond they'll work on.
If youll be doing it in bulk - diamond lap pads might be a good investment:
I always buy a Thai brand called Golden Boy.
Reminds me of this variety bag I bought a few years back, and it's likely similar if you want to check the description there. I ran a geology group on a university campus and handed these out (instead of candy) at an involvement fair. Easily shattered our sign-up record lol
Highly recommend picking up a copy of Gem Trails of Washington. GPS coordinates, tips on what to look for, and lots of great info. I've 'dug' 17 of the 100 sites so far and many of them are lowland.
Thumler Lapidary Rock Tumbler Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RAWG50/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jOuXFbRHMKJMY
This is the one I have been using for the last many years. I have never regretted my decision. So far I have put about 6 five gallon buckets of rocks through it and only changed the inner rubber lid.
Audubon guides are good starter books. There are probably some geared toward professional geos that are better, but the Audubon books have great identification sections and decent, full color photos.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0394502698/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_q.APFbTYXVAKP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You can sometimes pull usable electric motors from junk appliances that work great for lapidary equipment. Try to find something around the same size with close to the same specs.
If you want to buy a brand new one here's something that's looks fairly close on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003S08DMG
https://www.google.com/search?q="SLIK"+"incline"+rock+"tumbler"
Someone else here may have other ideas you could try.
Good luck!
I would suggest getting a nicer blade for it. The saw can be a piece of crap, but if you've got a decent blade, everything is just better. Less vibration, thinner kerf, fewer chips and breaks...
I got this for a tile saw and I really like it: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009YUJT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
All rocks have a different hardness depending on what minerals they are composed of. This is called the Mohs scale. So Working off of the premise that any rock will scratch a softer one but not a harder one you can determine the hardness of a rock by scratching it with others of known hardness. So you need to gather known rocks of carrying hardness to use as your test kit.
Also different rocks will leave different colored streaks when scratched on unglazed porcelain tile. This is the streak test.
Both of these can be looked up to identify a mineral as well as several other factors such as crystal shape, fracture pattern, specific gravity... But those 2 are generally enough to use with the appearance and color to identify most rocks.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JAOEMZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ArstFb6T0XS8C
This is a premade kit but you can also buy an unglazed porcelain tile at a hardware store and gather rocks that you have already identified to make a Mohs kit.
As far as getting self collected material goes in the area, I probably can't be of much help. the best advice I can offer is getting a book about the area. The only one I found with a quick search was this one. If you're interested in buying pieces for your collection though, I can offer some better advice there.
https://www.amazon.com/TechDiamondTools-Diamond-Lapidary-Syringes-Concentration/dp/B07TPC7R9L
I dont know if these are the best options out there but it was what I used.
I used a dremel to polish them since I dont have the money to buy the cabbing wheels needed. You just put the paste on your little felt polishing/ buffing pads and it is pretty easy after that point. You dont even need water at this point.
Oh! I got a cheap rotary tool off Amazon, and it works great. Harbor freight carries a decent one too.
WEN 23114 1.4-Amp High-Powered Variable Speed Rotary Tool with Cutting Guide, LED Collar, 100+ Accessories, Carrying Case and Flex Shaft https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FCRH3XG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PEFmEbXCSAX6F
I don't have a lot of money to throw at this hobby, and going to the local rock club to use their tools isn't appealing to me personally, so I bought this:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003HIWR08/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And used this blade, which I very much recommend.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009YUJT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's half the thickness of the stock blade, so you waste less material, and it's held up quite well. I don't do a huge amount of cutting, but I've sawn through dozens of fist sized rocks and lots of roughing out cabs, and it's showing no signs of slowing down yet.
One nice thing I've found is that since the diamonds cover the last 1/2" or so of blade, you can use the side of it to do a little seat-of-your-pants cabochon shaping.
All in all, the only real limitation is the size. You're limited to fist sized rocks. Although you can cut a radius as deep as possible, then tap to break it and hope for the best.
Well the kind of acid you use is completely dependent on the rock itself and the mineralization you are trying to clean off. What kind of samples are you trying to clean?
Also, I personally have one of these.
https://www.amazon.com/GENUINE-ARROW-SPOT-CLEANING-GUN/dp/B00CMFMSB0
It gets rid of mud and dirt easily, and I have even had some luck blasting off calcification on some specimens. You just can't use the fine stream on softer material.
Maybe check into jewelry polishing compounds? But really I don't know.
https://www.amazon.com/Zam-Buffing-Compound-4-Ounce/dp/B003CMMD3K
No problem! I really like that book, it’s definitely better than most, but still missing a bit. You can get it on amazon. Also, my personal favorites are for just Agates, #1 being “The Other Lake Superior Agates” by John D Marshall (it’s out of print, but I think you may still be able to get it from the author), and “Agates Inside Out” by Karen A Brzys. Here is what the covers look like to make them a little easier to find.
chop saw with diamond blade like this one - https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Blade-Almost-Contractor-Concrete/dp/B004HZQ4CW/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1518802631&sr=8-13&keywords=diamond+blade+chop+saw
for cutting, polish with various angle grinder attachments as another user mentioned
A good soak in Iron Out for a few days will help clean them up. Since it's quartz, you can also use a brass or steel bristle brush if they need a little extra help after the soak.
20 Break Open Whole Moroccan Geodes - Bulk Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HQ5QE34/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_K9aFyb9FSG7G5
One out of the 20 was solid (but still crystalline). The rest were hollow and lined with nice, shiny, clear, exposed quartz crystals. Fairly hard to break until we dug out a sturdy rock hammer.
Thanks for the recommendation! I just bought this book: Gemstones of the World: Newly Revised Fifth Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1454909536/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_pPGIybE1G50X2
Given that I didn't know an Amethyst was a quartz, I figured it's a good place to start. The book you recommended seems like a logical next step once I've upped my technical knowledge of gemstones themselves!
Amazon has the may 2001 mag for $10 (used reseller). Not sure if this big long link to it will work Rocks and Gems Magazine May 2001
Anything by lortone. They aren't thirty years with only a belt replacement.
Maybe her birth stone? Or... Pyrite everyone loves pyrite :) And if she doesn't have a rock hammer she will most likely need one in the future.
Let me preface by saying this is a serious poorman's lapidary technique. Any better tools you can afford for the job will make it easier. For example, I'd really like to get a flex shaft to increase the distance between the tool and the wetness. It's really not safe to work wet with the dremel, but we do so cautiously.
USE WATER, WORK WET. Inhaling stone dust is very, very, very bad.
We have this model because we got it for free.
And we're using these bits, for no other reason than that they were cheap.
The final step is wet diamond emery abrasive pads and cerium oxide for polishing.
I have a thumlers 6lb tumbler and it works great but I would go with a loretone tumbler like this one if I bought another 6lb tumbler. The loretone is much quieter and the lids are much easier to open and close than the thumlers. I bought a loretone 10lb earlier this year and have been very pleased with it but unless you have a lot of rocks to polish (or want to do larger rocks) the 6lb is the way to go since it has 2 barrels so you can do multiple batches at the same time or just run 1 barrel if you don't have enough rocks to fill 2.