By the last stage, you are no longer shaping the labradorite, but polishing out the scratches from the sandpaper itself. Shape the labradorite into the desired shape by chipping at it or rubbing it on concrete. Properly shaped and polished labradorite is one of mineralogy's hidden gems. Always wear safety goggles when chipping at rocks or minerals. Use a rock tumbler. Remove sharp edges with rolling motion and the coarsest disk2. of 110 to 220 grit for 7 days) and fine (3 tbsp. Read Time : 7 Minutes . Jill Brown has been writing and editing technical content since 1998. Cabbing Labradorite (Spectrolite) to a high polish! Shape the labradorite into the desired shape by chipping at it or rubbing it on concrete. Brown earned her Bachelor of Science in geology from Cleveland State University and has taken graduate coursework in environmental engineering. Use a rock tumbler. Next, saw the rock in … When using a rock tumbler, never dump the used, gritty water down the drain; it will clog your drains. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, Rock Tumbling Supplies: How to Polish Rocks By Hand, Sandpaper in varying grits (50, 150, 300, 600). Rough cutting and shaping are also done with a lapidary wheel. Rough cutting and shaping are also done with a lapidary wheel. Misc. The most important thing when cutting labradorite is the orientation. how to polish raw labradorite. Smooth consistent sanding method by rolling under the disk By the last stage, you are no longer shaping the labradorite, but polishing out the scratches from the sandpaper itself. Labradorite Meaning. I am looking to cut/polish a piece of labradorite that has already been polished. Done for a VIP customer, Merilou Jenkins, at the Tucson Gem Show 2019 with all the \"surprises\" and interruptions of a live video!The beauty beneath the rough surface was gradually uncovered using the Lapidary Kit for Stones and Glass, available here: https://jooltool.com/collections/jooltool-kits/products/soft-stone-lapidary-glass-kitWhat was used in this video:1. Smooth out the sample with 50-grit sandpaper and gradually work up to finer and finer grit sandpaper, using 150-, then 300- and finally 600-grit. Use a light touch. Despite its simple chemical composition, plagioclase feldspar, labradorite, still shines--literally. Smooth out the sample with 50-grit sandpaper and gradually work up to finer and finer grit sandpaper, using 150-, then 300- and finally 600-grit. Discover the magic of your spirit and its connection to the universe with Labradorite, the best stone for fighting off an existential crisis. Hand polishing with sandpaper is most effective on softer rocks (3 to 4 on the Moh's Hardness Scale); labradorite is a 6 or 6.5, so a rock tumbler can save you some time and elbow grease. Mark this as the “top.” (I’ve bought irregularly shaped labradorite and could still get a good clear starting mark). Properly shaped and polished labradorite is one of mineralogy's hidden gems. January 28, 2019. admin. Break off any adhesions on your sample using a hammer or chisel. Labradorite is one of a few unique minerals that exhibits labradoresence, an optical effect that causes blue and green metallic or pearly shimmers that seem to move as the specimen is turned. of 60 to 90 grit for 7 days), medium (3 tbsp. Rough cutting and shaping are also done with a lapidary wheel. of 500 or 600 grit for 7 days)--making sure to wash thoroughly between each cycle. I want it to be a specific shape and right now it's completely round. In 2000, ASM International published a supplement to "Advanced Materials & Processes" called the "Directory of Materials Properties Databases," which Brown compiled, wrote for and edited. Anie shows how the JOOLTOOL can take a rough Spectrolite, an uncommon variety of Labradorite, all the way to a high polish. Get your rough wet and turn it until you get a good flash of color. Keep your sandpaper and polishing compound damp, since rock dust can be dangerous to breathe. Labradorite Labradorite The Magician Cosmic • Destiny • Curiosity Tech mistake |Have a case of the blahs? Let the machine and the disks do the work3. Tin oxide or cerium oxide are the best final polishes for labradorite. This property is best showcased in polished samples of labradorite, which are relatively easy to make yourself, provided you have the time, tools and raw materials. Follow your tumbler's specific instructions to put your sample through three grinds--a coarse (3 tbsp. Polish your sample by rubbing it with a clean, soft cloth (leather or denim work well) and cerium oxide. - YouTube I know I will need several different grits of sandpaper and water, and I know it will take a long time to make which is fine by… rocks-smooth image by Jeffrey Zalesny from, Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved.