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[heavensheros]

The small rock is the first one i cut, not really sure what it is, looks like it has some metal specks in it maybe copper as well as the second stone i am slicing to polish and makes some coasters




This one will be a name plate for my desk



Hopefully many many more cuts to go.

[lithicbeads]

Congratulations. Hold onto your wallet ,this hobby is expensive and addictive.

[heavensheros]

What's new HAHA thank you I'm def learning the trial by fire way

[rocks2dust]

Your last photo looks a lot like copper replacement of fire brick. That material was formed when copper and minerals from the ore and the bricks themselves gradually replaced the original fire brick. Most of those bricks were stripped out periodically when their insulating properties degraded, replaced with new fire brick and the old bricks re-melted for the copper, but some were left when the smelters closed down (particularly those from the Calumet and Hecla smelter at Hubbell in Michigan). It does get used in lapidary work and makes interesting cabochons, too.

[heavensheros]

That would make sense on the fire brick because the rock collection i got originated from Michigan,

Here is a picture of more of the rock

[rocks2dust]

I hope you will post your finished pieces along with any tips you develop in polishing. The copper replacement of brick reminds me a bit of some campellite from Arizona, though without some of the oxides. I've wondered whether the process of formation was similar, only speeded up in the smelter.

[heavensheros]

once i get a motir for my polisher i will be in good shape

[Sandsave]

I friend showed me a piece of firebrick, I ordered a piece on line. Here's how mine turned out.