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Author Topic: Specimen Or Cut It?  (Read 1218 times)

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gemfeller

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Specimen Or Cut It?
« on: October 04, 2018, 08:22:09 PM »

This is a large piece of Slaughter Mountain fire agate I polished not long ago.  It would yield 3 very nice cabs or 1 very nice specimen.  Should I cut it or cherish it as is?

SlaughterFA copy (450x338).jpg
*SlaughterFA copy (450x338).jpg (97.95 kB . 450x338 - viewed 304 times)
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irockhound

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Re: Specimen Or Cut It?
« Reply #1 on: October 04, 2018, 09:56:32 PM »

I am a cut it fan.  But think it through all comes down to how much you will like it cut or on display.  Or take a great photo of it to display and then cut it.  Glad I don't have to make the choice.  Always easier to say what you'd do if it is not your piece.
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hummingbirdstones

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Re: Specimen Or Cut It?
« Reply #2 on: October 05, 2018, 06:36:32 AM »

I'm a cut it girl.  Just ask Vince.   :icon_sunny:

I think you'll get more joy out of cutting it and selling the cabs.  I'm sure you already have all kinds of specimens on display all over your house like we do!   :occasion14:
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Robin

vitzitziltecpatl

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Re: Specimen Or Cut It?
« Reply #3 on: October 05, 2018, 07:50:18 AM »

I've never done this - don't have the patience - but if it was carved a bit it might yield a more "organic" piece. I hate that word, but in some markets that could be more valuable when set in a way that emphasizes the stone only.

I'd vote to keep the shape.

gemfeller

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Re: Specimen Or Cut It?
« Reply #4 on: October 05, 2018, 05:07:29 PM »

Thanks for all the input everyone.  I've been working fire agate for many years now -- it became almost an obsession for a couple of years.  This piece measures nearly 2-1/2 inches long and about an inch wide, and shows the largest continuous area of gem-quality iridescence I've ever seen in fire agate.  I'm not saying bigger ones don't exist but I haven't seen them.  For the moment I think I'll keep it as a display piece.  I have plenty of other fire agate rough to keep me lappy-dappy challenged.   
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vitzitziltecpatl

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Re: Specimen Or Cut It?
« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2018, 09:25:18 PM »

Wow. It's even bigger than I thought from the photo.

Yeah, there are lots of pieces out there that will cut single cabs. If you've never seen one bigger than this one, then it's definitely a keeper as-is.

Phishisgroovin

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Re: Specimen Or Cut It?
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2018, 09:30:22 PM »

finish the face, drill it and put a custom bail on it & hang it as is.
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gemfeller

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Re: Specimen Or Cut It?
« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2018, 10:46:18 PM »

Phish, it weighs nearly 2 oz. and I'd have to remove lots of it to get the weight down.  As it is a lady wearing it as a focal bead would need a steel bra and chest armor to avoid being injured!  I think I like it better as a specimen.  But you never know, maybe one of these days....
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hummingbirdstones

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Re: Specimen Or Cut It?
« Reply #8 on: October 06, 2018, 08:17:01 AM »

Agree with keeping it as a specimen if it's that big.  I've never seen a piece of quality fire agate that big.
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Robin

VegasJames

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Re: Specimen Or Cut It?
« Reply #9 on: October 28, 2018, 03:59:53 PM »

I would keep it as a specimen. You have plenty of smaller ones to cab and sell.  A large piece like that is too unique.
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