Lapidaryforum.net

Gadgets, Gizmos, and Dohickeys => Cutting, Grinding, Polishing => Topic started by: Orbs777 on August 24, 2015, 07:32:49 PM

Title: Cutting Charoite
Post by: Orbs777 on August 24, 2015, 07:32:49 PM

Hello everybody,

I am having some trouble with Charoite, it fractures easily when shaping.  I like to inlay with it and thought about backing it with a thin layer of something.  Any ideas or suggestions will help greatly.

Title: Re: Cutting Charoite
Post by: lithicbeads on August 24, 2015, 08:21:26 PM

Fragile stones bruise and chip easily with coarse diamond wheels and typically recieve even more damage from sic wheels. Grind only on the 220 hard wheel if you have one and possibly you can skip the 220 soft wheel if it is not broken in thoroughly.This is a more time consuming approach but it is often successful.

Title: Re: Cutting Charoite
Post by: RxScram on August 25, 2015, 04:43:54 PM

Like lithicbeads said, use a fine wheel... I would actually recommend a 280 or finer diamond wheel... 220 is still pretty course for Charoite. Also, while shaping, keep a very light pressure. It is a stone that rewards you for taking it slowly.

Some people like to soak it in water for a day or so before grinding on it... I haven't noticed a difference by doing this, but I've heard it makes a big difference for some of the more temperamental pieces.

Title: Re: Cutting Charoite
Post by: hummingbirdstones on August 25, 2015, 05:43:05 PM

What they said.   :glasses9:

Title: Re: Cutting Charoite
Post by: Orbs777 on August 25, 2015, 05:57:15 PM

Thank you to all that responded.  I will try these methods out.