Tumbled stones are used for a wide variety of purposes. Each year a few thousand tons of tumbled stones are produced at commercial tumbling facilities, located in several different countries. They are then sold individually or by the pound or used to produce jewelry or items of decor. Depending upon the size of the stones and the material from which they are made, these stones are sold in the United States for prices that typically range from 50 cents per stone to $100 per pound. The most common types of stones sell for $10 to $20 per pound.
Here are a few ways that people like to use tumbled stones:
- Rock collections: Many people enjoy collecting interesting rocks. Tumbled stones are an easy and inexpensive way to start a colorful gemstone collection.
- Crafts: Tumbled stones can be used for an infinite number of craft projects!
- Jewelry: With some jewelry findings and a little glue, tumbled stones can easily be made into wearable art, including pendants, charms, earrings, tie tacks, cufflinks, keychains and more. Wire-wrapping is also a popular method for making pendants, charms, and other one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry items.
- Gifts: Brightly polished stones make great gifts, and they can also be used as embellishments on wrapped packages.
- Prizes & Rewards: Teachers and parents can encourage children to do their best by offering prizes and rewards for good grades and good behavior.
- Games: Have a sandbox treasure hunt, play tic-tac-toe, or use tumbled stones as tokens with your favorite board games.
- Vase Filler: Dress up a floral arrangement by adding color-coordinated stones to a clear vase. The arrangement will stay in place better, and the stones add weight to the bottom so the vase won’t tip over as easily.
- Home Decor: Tumbled stones can be a lovely accent for picture frames, candle holders, centerpieces, and many other home decor items.
- Mindfulness, Meditation, and Spiritual Healing: