Tumbled Emeralds!
I have received a few questions regarding tumbling emeralds in the rock tumbler. Since I have an abundance of rough emeralds (most of which are not facet quality), I decided to do a few posts on the process of tumbling them. Let’s get started with our tumbled emeralds!
The Process:
The first step in the process is to tumble the rough stones using a coarse grit compound. Luckily for me, I have a kit that includes 4 different grits of compound. For the emeralds, I use silicon carbide and water. The stones will tumble for about a week before I will take them out, rinse them, and change the polishing compound to a finer grit.
Below is the picture of the emerald rough before I started the first step. I found some of these in Hiddenite, NC and some in Cleveland, GA.
Once I have the rough selected, I load it into the tumbling drum and add the coarse grit silicon carbide.
I don’t measure the silicon carbide. I simply sprinkle some into the drum until I think I have enough. Yes, there are measurements for it in the instructions for the kit, but if you aren’t filling the drum completely with rock, the measurements vary, so I just eyeball it.
Put the top on the drum and it is ready to go!
I put the drum on the tumbler and will check back in about a week. I will post photos of the rough stones when they come out of the tumbler and before I add the next step of the polish.
While I wait for the tumbles emeralds, I will be working on The Gemstone Chronicles!
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Could you please give me some tips on what can be used as a substitute for tumbling raw emeralds
Hi Joseph. I’m not exactly sure what you are asking, so I will throw out a couple of ideas. For tumbling grit, you could use a variety of things. I used silicon carbide and aluminum oxide in different grits to tumble the ones in the post. If you wanted to go a little differently, I suppose you could use some rubies or sapphires (non-gem grade, please), since they are extremely hard and will wear down the softer emerald.
If you are asking what other stones could be tumbled, then your choices are almost endless. If you are looking for green stones, try aventurine or peridot. Bloodstone tumbles nicely, too. Most of the rocks will tumble and polish nicely using the grits I mentioned above.
If you have any other questions, let me know!
Hi,
I realize this post is years old, but I’m hoping it’s still active.(or whatever it’s called-I’m not real savvy about these things) Anyhoo, I have some emeralds in the rough, and I want to knock the matrix off of them without rounding the edges to much. I have a new tumbler (3 lb.) I’ve never used, and wanted to use that. Also I have other emeralds that don’t have matrix on them, and I want to polish them without losing the angular shape. Thank you, Doug
Hi Doug,
Glad you stopped by! I will give you what little advice I can. For the ones with the matrix, you might try tumbling them with the finest grit you have and check every day until the stones are at the stage you desire. You could also try tumbling them with the coarsest grit, but that will require keeping a close eye on it.
For the other emeralds, the only advice I can give it to make cabochons from them. That way, you can keep the angles and get the polish you want.
I hope that helps some!
Sir,
Thank you very much for the information! I believe I’ll just tumble them and call it good.
Sincerely, Doug
HI Doug. Sounds like a plan to me. I would love to see them when you finish, so feel free to send me a picture if you want.
Best,
Bill Stuart
Bill,
Thanks for your help and I will send you a picture!
Doug
I look forward to seeing it!
Hi Bill,
I too have some raw Emerald I’d like to tumble to get the matrix off. Do we add any water to the grit, or just the grit? If we do add water what would the measurements be per amount of grit? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Doris,
When I tumble mine, I use the coarse grit with water, but just enough water to cover the stones. I usually run mine for a week or so and then check them. As for measurement of grit and water, the rule of thumb is add 2 tablespoons of grit per pound of stones. Also, it helps if you add different size stones.
I hope this helps. When you get done tumbling, send me a picture. I’d love to see how it turns out!
I have verry small emeralds that need to be cleaned and polished but im afraid they will ne damaged through the process. Should i do the normal tumble kust check every day. N i dont have alot of them so what other stones are safe to tumble with them?or can i just do those alone?so far only 4 of them pinky nail size. Havent gone through the rest of my loot yet.
Hi Emily! If you are going to tumble them, I recommend tumbling them all together but starting with medium-fine grit (to clean the stones and round off any sharp edges), then moving to the pre-polish and polish grits and checking them frequently until they get to the finish you want. When you finish them, send me a picture. I’d love to see how they turn out!
Hi Bill, A friend gave me bags of raw gem stones upon his death . There are Emeralds, Rudy’s, Sapphires and Diamonds. Was told they can from over seas. I not sure what to do with them. lol I have a homemade tumbler (a drill and coffee can) and several types of grit. I was also told each type of stone should be treated differently by type. Any advice on what to do with them.
Hi Joseph,
Without seeing them, I can only speak in generalities. If you are going to tumble them, tumble the emeralds separately. The rubies and sapphires are harder and will likely damage the emeralds. If you have diamonds, take them to a local jeweler or college geology department and let them take a look. They might have some value. Ditto with the rubies and sapphires. One trick you can try with the stones is get a small powerful flashlight and try to shine it through the stones. It might show the color and any inclusions in them. If they aren’t gem quality stones, tumble them!
Hey Bill! Are you still around? My family and I were able to find some rough emeralds and rubies at a cute little place where you could “pan” for treasures from that buckets you purchase. . I’d love to send you some photos and get your opinion.
I’d love to see the pictures!
Hi Bill! I’m so glad I found this website! I just got a tumbler for the stones I have panned over the years. I have several raw emeralds but am afraid to tumble them as I don’t know if they are gem quality stones. I’m not too familiar as to what I’m exactly looking for, however, I looking to buy a magnifying glass but I’m lost as to how much magnification I would need (10x, 20x, 30x…). There’s so much information out there. Do you have any tips?
Hi Monica,
Hi Monica! Thanks for stopping by my blog. If you are a member of or near a Mineral Society, check with them. They can often give good advice on the quality of the stones. Another thing you can try is to place the stones on the lens of a flashlight and shine the light through them. It will give you an idea of how much green is in the stone. Lastly, gently clean them (toothbrush and soap to start with), and see if you can get any surface dirt off the rock. Once clean, you can use something like safflower oil or even mineral oil (something near the refractive index of the stone) to see what flaws might exist inside the stone. If you live in the Southeast US, take a look at the Facebook group Minerals of the Southeastern US. Lots of great people in the group and they are both knowledgeable and helpful.
Bill, id love to come about an autographed book of your series. I also love the website here this is awesome me and my kids love the information!
Hi Jody! I appreciate the comment. As for the books, I can send you a set for $50 plus shipping and will autograph them. All I need is an address and the names of anyone you want them directed to. If you want me to list each of your children, I’ll just need their names. You can make the payment via Paypal.
Once I have the names and calculate the shipping cost, I’ll send you the total cost.