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Diopside
Diopside often occurs as a bright green, translucent to transparent gem that is cut into faceted stones, cabochons, and beads. Its green color is often bright enough that it is used as a substitute for emerald. A rare variety of diopside known as “star diopside” contains fine prismatic crystals of magnetite. When polished en cabochon, they display a…
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Jadeite
Jadeite (a pyroxene) and nephrite (a member of the amphibole mineral group) are the only two minerals that can legally be called “jade” in commerce. Both of these minerals are used to produce cabochons, beads, bangles, small sculptures, and a wide variety of utility items. Jadeite is the most important gemstone in China, where it has been held in highest esteem for…
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Uses of Pyroxene Minerals
Examples of individual pyroxene minerals that hold a place in industry and commerce are described below: Spodumene Spodumene often occurs in colorful gem-quality crystals. These beautiful blade-shaped crystals are highly prized by mineral collectors. When cut as gems, they have varietal names according to their color: kunzite (pink), hiddenite (green), and triphane (yellow). Spodumene was once the…
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What Are Pyroxenes?
Pyroxene is the name of a group of dark-colored rock-forming minerals found in igneous and metamorphic rocks throughout the world. They form under conditions of high temperature and/or high pressure. Augite, diopside, jadeite and spodumene are four of the best-known members of the pyroxene group; however, the pyroxene group has many other members. Pyroxene minerals are defined by their chemical composition and crystal structure. Their generalized chemical composition is…
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Tumbled Stone Treatments
Many manufacturers treat tumbled stones with heat, dye, oil, or wax. These treatments can improve the appearance and marketability of the stones. Heat and dye can change the color of a stone. Oil and wax can conceal fractures, hide a bad polishing job, or make a smooth rough stone look like it has been polished.…
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Tumbled Stones in Alternative Medicine
A large percentage of the world’s tumbled stone production is sold in spa, massage, alternative medicine and New Age markets. Here their uses include: “healing crystals,” “chakra stones,” “energy stones,” and “massage stones.” In some types of alternative medicine, stones are placed on the body at points of discomfort or on “spiritual centers” known as…
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How Are Tumbled Stones Used?
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…
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How Are Tumbled Stones Made?
Tumbled stones are made in a machine known as a rock tumbler. The most commonly used rock tumbler is a rotary machine that turns a barrel containing the stones, along with abrasive grit, and water, for days and weeks at a time. As the rocks tumble in the barrel, the grains of abrasive grit get caught…
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What Materials Are Used to Make Tumbled Stones?
The most popular materials used for making tumbled stones are attractive and colorful rocks and minerals that have a Mohs hardness between 5 and 8. These materials are generally durable and accept a good polish. Some of the most commonly tumbled materials are listed below. Varieties of Chalcedony Varieties of Crystalline Quartz Minerals Rocks Fossil Materials
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What Are Tumbled Stones?
Tumbled stones are small, rounded, brightly polished pieces of rocks and minerals. They are made by placing rough rocks in a machine known as a rock tumbler, which tumbles them until their edges and surfaces are smooth and polished. They are also known as “polished stones,” “tumbled gems,” “baroque gems,” “polished rocks,” and a variety of other names. Many…