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William L. Stuart

author of The Gemstone Chronicles Series

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Tumbled Gemstones from the Beginning

August 21, 2012 by Bill Stuart 5 Comments

Tumbled gemstones! In today’s post, I am going to try to explain (to the best of my limited knowledge) tumbling, gemstone rough, and the process from rough to polished stones. The first picture is of various gemstone rough that I found at my favorite gem hunting place, Gold ‘n’ Gem Grubbin’, in Cleveland, Georgia.

Tumbled Gemstones Rough

The gemstone rough shown above (from upper left) three Amethysts (including my favorite – the large one of the left), Aventurine, Emerald (in the middle), and on the bottom row (from left) Sapphire and Rubies. Many of these gemstones will be key elements in The Gemstone Chronicles series.

I use a Lortone 3 lb tumbler (this is not an endorsement of Lortone products!!). The tumbling is a four part process that starts with a coarse grit and ends with a polishing step. Each of the steps takes about a week, so the entire process takes about a month to complete. Below is a picture of the tumbler.

Tumbled Gemstones Tumlber

Lastly, here are pictures of the tumbled gemstones, though not necessarily the ones from the rough above.. I think they are gorgeous!

Tumbled Gemstones Final

On the top row, four Amethysts (three lighter ones and one very dark). Middle row has three garnets. On the bottom row, three tumbled Topaz (note the slight blue tint to them).

There you have a very quick primer on how I go from rough gemstones to tumbled gemstones. You can research this much more and find that there are volumes written about the subject. It is a relatively inexpensive hobby, but one that can be fascinating! I know I’m hooked and will continue with my tumbling.

What are your favorite gemstones? Do you prefer faceted stones, cabochons, or tumbled? Leave me a comment and let me know!

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Filed Under: Gemstone Posts

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Comments

  1. John says

    August 21, 2012 at 9:57 pm

    My tumbler will be here this week. I can’t wait to get some stones run through.

    Reply
    • admin says

      August 22, 2012 at 7:05 am

      Which one did you get?

      Reply
      • John says

        August 22, 2012 at 8:37 am

        I got a dual 3 lb. drum model from Harbor Freight. I’m also supposed to meet with the gem cutter this week to show him the emerald that I found last trip up to Cleveland. I’ll let you know what his opinion is.

        Reply
        • admin says

          August 22, 2012 at 8:59 pm

          Sweet! Let me know what he says!!

          Reply

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