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Gadgets, Gizmos, and Dohickeys => Cutting, Grinding, Polishing => Topic started by: Michael on November 20, 2018, 09:06:29 AM

Title: Cutting, Sanding and Polishing Epidote
Post by: Michael on November 20, 2018, 09:06:29 AM

I was in Washington area this summer, and I was at the Tacoma Rock Show in July.  I purchased, (among others) a nice chunk of Epidote.  I have seen this material before, but I have never worked with it.  Accordingly, it is 7+ on the MOHS, and will not scratch with my knife.  The material kind of reminds me somewhat like Kyanite or Tiger Eye.  That is, fibrous.  It is better to cut it across the fiber and then try to go parallel.  In other words, has anyone worked with Epidote, and is there a "best way" to cab this stone, or is it tricky?  Thanks

Title: Re: Cutting, Sanding and Polishing Epidote
Post by: Slabbercabber on November 20, 2018, 11:40:10 AM

I've never worked it but have seen tumbled stones of the same.  They were polished evenly all the way around so I would assume working it would not be an issue.  Of course, every piece of material is unique.

Title: Re: Cutting, Sanding and Polishing Epidote
Post by: Phishisgroovin on November 21, 2018, 05:47:57 PM

i find it all over our Bedrock Prospectors mining claim on Blewett pass (mostly stuck to other rocks), There is a huge area of blewett pass with big boulders but its a long hike.
I havent tried to work any of it, mostly stuck to serpentine.

Are you local to seattle area?

Title: Re: Cutting, Sanding and Polishing Epidote
Post by: hummingbirdstones on November 21, 2018, 05:59:25 PM

I have never cut any, but I know Lithicbeads has.  I'm sure he'll help you out when he see this.

Title: Re: Cutting, Sanding and Polishing Epidote
Post by: Jhon P on November 21, 2018, 06:04:51 PM

I have cut some cabs out of epidote fans. It doesn’t seam to mater witch way you cut it. I cut so that the ends of the Crystals would show and be sparkling

Title: Re: Cutting, Sanding and Polishing Epidote
Post by: Michael on November 22, 2018, 10:46:09 AM

I have a small cabin in Hansville  WA for the summer.  Really nice, but for late fall, winter and early spring, I do in AZ.  I find that both WA and AZ and their surrounding sister states are fun for rock enthusiasts.