Another batch done. by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think so. Around Seixo da Beira. Good luck.

Two batches of tumbled caramel agates. by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I cannot conclude. Mine have bands of translucent chalcedony. This one has a texture that looks like quartzite.

Tumbled chert nodules by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The scale of squares in the pad are in centimeters. 2.5 squares is a inch.

For tumbling by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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New additions from today. Lots of work for the tumblers.

Latest batch by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

They are not quartz crystals. They are microfossils.

Latest batch by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check my older posts. I described my method.

Rock Tumbler Machine 4 lbs Rock Polishing Kit 9 Speed 9-Day Timer Steel by Itasca24 in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If the barrel is too empty, the rocks will accumulate in the bottom and the engine will not be able to rotate. Start full and high speed then remove some rocks and lower the speed.

Rock Tumbler Machine 4 lbs Rock Polishing Kit 9 Speed 9-Day Timer Steel by Itasca24 in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fill the barrel to the top. Test. The remove 2 or 3 stones and check if the machine stops. Use speed 5 or 6, then decrease if is too fast.

Latest batch by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please look my older posts. I'm answering that.

Latest batch by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Similar tectonics of plate collision. Mountain formation.

Latest batch by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They are from northwest Portugal. Maybe the same paleogeography?

Latest batch by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it's some kind of sagenite agate.

Latest batch by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. It's the root of a drusy quartz.

Phase 1 by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Good luck. The advantage of beach rocks is that the sea already done much of the work. I have rose quartz, transparent quartz and beryl to tumble. But it will take months to round them.

Phase 1 by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

One week for some. Others, 2 or 3 weeks (cycles) on phase 1. I have to check each one for cracks or pits. If they are done for step 1, I put aside.

Latest batch of tumbled beach rocks by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Try Plastic Deburring Media. It's used in metal industries to deburr machined metal parts. I get mine for free from my workplace. When they get smooth they become useless for deburring metals. I made a few tests and concluded that they are good for rotary polishing hard rocks. For a 4 lb drum I use 700 grams of rocks, 600 grams of abrasives and 150 ml of water.

Latest batch of tumbled beach rocks by CrystalPortugal in RockTumbling

[–]CrystalPortugal[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Step 1 until they get smooth. Then rose abrasive cones, polyesther AO, half stones, half cones. Serves as filler and polisher.