FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Mathias]

Hi, I've acquired a large and old lump of Schalenblende from the Plobieres/Vieille Montagne region in Belgium. I want to have it cut in slices. The peice is rather large, around 12 kg, 18×15×15 cm. Does anyone know where I can have it sliced (and polished) near the south of The Netherlands?
Does anyone have tips? Is there a chance that it falls apart while cutting?

[James Catmur]

You could ask a monument mason (grave stones, etc)

[SteveB]

or look for a lapidary club i had something hand cut rough by a paver with a diamond saw in a big angle grinder you could do the same slow and steady for the cost of the circular saw if willing and handy you likely wont find anyone experienced with that type of rock ive see people using water cooled bench corcular saws cit through agate geodes like butter but it is expensive gear and needs steady experienced hands and often parts break off looking at you rock id expect cracks and maybe breaks with the various hardnesses and densities so look for someone who can be careful and slow to go through. its a niche set of skills and gear but a lapidarist is what you need and a local club should know who to talk to.