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9 comments

Comments (9)

Amie

Oct 01, 2024

I just got a batch of Bird's Eye Rhyolite from Meeko's Mine and I haven't tumbled rhyolite before. Any advice on how to get the best results? With a Mohs of 6-7 it's in that range that probably needs a little TLC. I have rotary tumblers and a new vibratory that hasn't been used yet.

Any tips appreciated!

Amie

Oct 02, 2024

Replying to

I learned the hard way about your comment about the finer grits wrecking havoc on the softer stones. I ran a batch of your silver obsidian (which was gorgeous up through stage 3) in the rotary only to come out totally bruised after the polish stage. I did all the things including broken-in ceramic media throughout, slower tumbler speed, less time in each stage except the polish stage and still got this. Safe to say that "disappointed" is an understatement. I love the pre-cut stones from Meeko's. They have such a great shape polished.

Now that I have the vibe I was hoping my bruised obsidian might be salvaged by running them through stages 2-4 again in the vibratory tumbler this time. If there's a trick to repairing bruised stones other than just running them again with a vibe tumbler I'd love to hear about it before I do it!