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Rock Art => Faceted Gems => Topic started by: GoldSlinger on October 22, 2018, 04:08:50 PM

Title: doping heat sensitive stone
Post by: GoldSlinger on October 22, 2018, 04:08:50 PM

I have a large natural emerald that I'm going to refacet the abraded table. I'm use to using setters wax and warming the stone and dop to flow it but this isn't the stone for that. How would you dop it? Thanks for any information.

Title: Re: doping heat sensitive stone
Post by: gemfeller on October 22, 2018, 05:46:22 PM

This may sound crazy but I'd use Elmer's Glue or another water-soluble glue like carpenter's glue.  After it's dried at least overnight, apply a coating of clear nail polish to the glue area to prevent water from getting to it while you're cutting. 

Assuming you don't know the history of the emerald I'm sure you're aware of the many treatments applied to these stones, from oiling to more sophisticated in-filling of fissures with many different substances.  You want to avoid contact of the stone with any chemical (acetone, alcohol etc.) that might cause damage.

I use this method often with Australian opals (NOT hydrophane Ethiopian!)  When I'm finished cutting I carefully scrape away the nail polish with a scalpel, then soak the stone and dop in plain water overnight or longer to release the stone.   

Title: Re: doping heat sensitive stone
Post by: GoldSlinger on October 23, 2018, 06:51:06 AM

Thank you, that sounds like a good idea. I will try it.