What kind of rocks to tumble?
I'll answer
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.20
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.
40more
40more
Charlotte Lee
Studied at the University of Barcelona, Lives in Barcelona, Spain.
As a geologist with extensive experience in rock tumbling, I can provide you with some guidance on the types of rocks that are suitable for this hobby. Tumbling rocks is a process that involves placing rough stones into a barrel with water and abrasives, then rotating the barrel to gradually smooth and polish the stones.
Rocks to Tumble:
1. Agate - Known for its beautiful banding and variety of colors, agate is a popular choice for tumbling.
2. Jasper - Similar to agate but often opaque, jasper comes in a range of colors and patterns.
3. Obsidian - A volcanic glass that can take a high polish, obsidian is a striking addition to any rock collection.
4. Fluorite - While it's softer and can be more challenging to tumble, fluorite can be a beautiful addition if done carefully.
5. Quartz - Quartz is a common and versatile rock that comes in many forms, including clear, rose, and smoky varieties.
6. Geodes - These are rocks with a hollow center lined with crystals. They can be split and tumbled to reveal their inner beauty.
7.
Sodalite - A blue rock that polishes well and is often used for decorative purposes.
Things to Consider:
- Hardness: Rocks should be hard enough to withstand the tumbling process. The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a useful guide, with rocks ranked 5-7 being ideal for tumbling.
- Shape and Size: Rocks should be free of cracks and have a shape that will allow them to tumble evenly.
- Safety: Some rocks may contain harmful substances or be too fragile to tumble. Always research the specific rock before tumbling.
Aftercare:
- Once tumbled, rocks should be rinsed, dried, and polished with a final step of wax or polish to enhance their shine.
Remember, the key to successful rock tumbling is patience and the right equipment. Happy tumbling!
Rocks to Tumble:
1. Agate - Known for its beautiful banding and variety of colors, agate is a popular choice for tumbling.
2. Jasper - Similar to agate but often opaque, jasper comes in a range of colors and patterns.
3. Obsidian - A volcanic glass that can take a high polish, obsidian is a striking addition to any rock collection.
4. Fluorite - While it's softer and can be more challenging to tumble, fluorite can be a beautiful addition if done carefully.
5. Quartz - Quartz is a common and versatile rock that comes in many forms, including clear, rose, and smoky varieties.
6. Geodes - These are rocks with a hollow center lined with crystals. They can be split and tumbled to reveal their inner beauty.
7.
Sodalite - A blue rock that polishes well and is often used for decorative purposes.
Things to Consider:
- Hardness: Rocks should be hard enough to withstand the tumbling process. The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a useful guide, with rocks ranked 5-7 being ideal for tumbling.
- Shape and Size: Rocks should be free of cracks and have a shape that will allow them to tumble evenly.
- Safety: Some rocks may contain harmful substances or be too fragile to tumble. Always research the specific rock before tumbling.
Aftercare:
- Once tumbled, rocks should be rinsed, dried, and polished with a final step of wax or polish to enhance their shine.
Remember, the key to successful rock tumbling is patience and the right equipment. Happy tumbling!
reply(1)
Helpful(1122)
Helpful
Helpful(2)
Studied at the University of Seoul, Lives in Seoul, South Korea.
The most frequently tumbled rocks are agates, jaspers and several varieties of quartz such as amethyst, citrine, aventurine, smoky quartz and tiger's eye. Other favorites are petrified wood, Arizona petrified wood, obsidian and a few interesting feldspars such as amazonite, moonstone, sunstone and labradorite.
2023-04-17 10:54:12
William Walker
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
The most frequently tumbled rocks are agates, jaspers and several varieties of quartz such as amethyst, citrine, aventurine, smoky quartz and tiger's eye. Other favorites are petrified wood, Arizona petrified wood, obsidian and a few interesting feldspars such as amazonite, moonstone, sunstone and labradorite.
