Lapidaryforum.net

Let's Rock => Rock Talk => Topic started by: Michael on February 13, 2018, 12:15:58 PM

Title: Iron Pyrite Slab / Smooth Slab 4x3x.5" from British Columbia
Post by: Michael on February 13, 2018, 12:15:58 PM

I have seen more typical Iron Pyrite this year than in previous years.  Yet all of it is crystalline, and I had never seen a slab of the stuff until I came upon some nice folks from BC who had a site in Quartzite (2017 show).  Has anybody  ever cabbed this material?  I usually do not do specimen stones, but I keep looking at it figuring how to best cut, sand and polish if that is practical.  Thanks

Title: Re: Iron Pyrite Slab / Smooth Slab 4x3x.5" from British Columbia
Post by: Slabbercabber on February 13, 2018, 01:52:39 PM

I've never seen it slabbed but I have seen tumble polished specimens.  It just looks like polished metal.

Title: Re: Iron Pyrite Slab / Smooth Slab 4x3x.5" from British Columbia
Post by: edgarscale on February 13, 2018, 03:40:31 PM

i've seen large windows (2"x2") polished on a one pound chuck of rock.  looked really good.  didn't know if it could be cut into slabs though, have never seen it in slab form. 

Title: Re: Iron Pyrite Slab / Smooth Slab 4x3x.5" from British Columbia
Post by: Redrummd on February 13, 2018, 10:57:49 PM

I use it for knife scales and Jewelry.  I sand it to a nearly worn out NOVA 1200 grit and then Fabuluster and ZAM metal polish on soft cotton stitched wheels.  Use 1 inch wide cotton wheels at 3600 RPM and I remove 2 rows of the stitching to keep the wheel stiff but fluffy on top.  Use very light pressure with the metal polish.

Title: Re: Iron Pyrite Slab / Smooth Slab 4x3x.5" from British Columbia
Post by: ZEKESMAN on February 14, 2018, 10:57:12 AM

I have cabbed alot of turquoise with big pirite chunks in it. It is messy. I use my genie. I polishes great. Did I say it is messy?  Vic

Title: Re: Iron Pyrite Slab / Smooth Slab 4x3x.5" from British Columbia
Post by: Jhon P on February 14, 2018, 11:57:50 AM

Micheal, wow that looks great on that buck. But how dose it hold up?  Or is it just for display?

Title: Re: Iron Pyrite Slab / Smooth Slab 4x3x.5" from British Columbia
Post by: Redrummd on February 14, 2018, 07:54:29 PM

Quote from: Jhon P on February 14, 2018, 11:57:50 AM

Micheal, wow that looks great on that buck. But how dose it hold up?  Or is it just for display?

It holds up great.  I do the final polish with metal polish and that is how the buyers keep it looking mirror polished.  The same with jewelry in that I just use a red rouge cloth to buff it up  to a mirror polish after it sits for several months.

Title: Re: Iron Pyrite Slab / Smooth Slab 4x3x.5" from British Columbia
Post by: Michael on February 15, 2018, 08:23:46 PM

Thank you for all your responses.  I just like unusual stones.  This is one of them. 

Title: Re: Iron Pyrite Slab / Smooth Slab 4x3x.5" from British Columbia
Post by: irockhound on February 15, 2018, 08:26:19 PM

I have noticed that it stands up better after polishing as opposed to left in slab form.  I have had some material decay but if you go thru the polishing process it seems to somehow protect it better than if left natural and my cut pieces have not decayed.  I have had similar affects from some stones that change color due to hydration loss but cab them and the color seems to last.  With Pyrite it is the oxidation that causes the decay but it still seems to protect it somehow if processed.  There of course is also the quality factor that plays a part too, some low quality material will be more prone to decay.  With Marcasite the more Marcasite in the piece the more it will suffer from decay especially if exposed to water for long periods.

Title: Re: Iron Pyrite Slab / Smooth Slab 4x3x.5" from British Columbia
Post by: edgarscale on February 17, 2018, 07:09:03 AM

nice piece, glad to hear it stands up.  may try slabbing my rock too.