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[bethherndobler]

Hi! I am new to this forum and to working with rocks. I bought an 11 pound piece of blue obsidian that has a beautiful shape - like a grotto. I want to smooth it out to make it safe to touch - as it is since it is volcanic glass it has some rather sharp aspects. I looked it up and know I can do it with various grades of sandpaper but I feel this is going to be a long process. Don't want to invest much money in power tools (looked those up as well) as I am not sure I will be doing this again. The Dremel lapidary sets I saw on line that were cheap seem like they might not work with this sort of large hard piece. Any advice greatly appreciated! Thanks much, Beth

[Ranger_Dave]

I just use another rock. When making arrowheads and such I dull the sharp edges with a rough stone so I can take more flakes off. Just rub the rock on the sharp edges.

[bethherndobler]

Good idea - thanks!

[lapidaryrough]

Modoc county CA. has the world famous Electra obsidian. rare to find. And it is the top of ridge on  Lassen cr. to find.   

top is blue middle is green and red on the bottom out to the road cut. all is high grade sheen obsidian.

this blue looks black, the material has heat bands line on the side. to orientate the sheen of the cut. chip the top or bottom, an hold it to the sun. sun over the shoulder to see the sheen the best.

Not a ad. on my site i have a page of sheen Electra blue.   

Find a rock shop in your area. mapmuse.com search for rock clubs / rock shops.

The material is highly prized.  or google images for blue sheen

Jack Cole