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[ileney]

I was looking through some old slabs and came across these. These are old slabs of what I guess is chrysocolla from the 1980s. My question is if the metal is harmful to grind and polish, if it is galena, lead or what?! Also, would I be correct to assume it’s chrysocolla. These slabs are very heavy and seem quite hard. I assume these are not turquoise because of the appearance. I do seem to see some quartz in there and black ( tenorite?)

[Felicia]

Blue/green colors like that tend to be copper compounds. If the metallic area is lead, it will be notablys soft and malleable, galena is brittle. It mat be an iron material like hematite or goethite; they're a bit tougher than galena. Other compounds are possible, those are just very common. Wearing a dust mask while working copper materials is a good idea, hey, it's a good idea anyway. Silicates are no good either, can't think of any kind of dust that's good  to inhale. Wash hands, too. Eye protection? This is going too far?

[irockhound]

Copper minerals are toxic and like Felicia said, always wear a mask when cutting however I have 2 levels personally.  I normally wear an N95 dust mask with most stones and I prefer to have a fan blowing across my work area taking any particulate away.  When working with certain stone and this isn't a complete list, I wear a respirator for much better protection: Any Copper stone, Turquoise, Chrysocolla, Azurite and Malachite but I also include Shell, Tigerseye and anything with sulfides like Bumble Bee Jasper.  And like most I like my wheels very wet (not a replacement for masks or respirators.

[ileney]

I'm confused because I thought an n-95 mask IS a respirator? If not, what do you mean by respirator? Of course, I always wear an  n95 mask when cutting copper based minerals (and many other stones.) I try to wear gloves too but find they do often shred and end up being less useful than I'd like. But of course I wash my hands well after cutting. Also, while not as good as goggles, I do wear glasses.

[Felicia]

An N95 mask filters out 95 percent of particles above a certain size. (Very, very  small). N100 filters out 99 percent. Respirators have replaceable cartridges that may filter dust, smoke, various fumes depending on the cartridges used. Some supply air if breathable/filterable air is not present. (Too long to cover the details). Had to wear an N95 mask at a job for over 6 yes. Our safety training covered all types. That's probably enough of that. Glasses okay if they are they polycarbonate. No side protection, but the place where you got them should have side pieces to slip on, or some safety supplies should have them. Enjoy the hobby, if possible after all this. 😷

[irockhound]

Like Felicia said and very well I might add the mask I use is a simple N95 Dust mask you could buy from hardware stores.  I use the 3m masks that are the common White variety with elastic straps.  They don't filter out the finest particles which is why I wouldn't use that for known toxics.  The Respirator I use has replaceable filters and I use ones that also cover fumes.  It is rubber on the main body and then the filter holders screw on the sides.  It is much tighter fitting than the N95 dust mask I use.