FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[AdrianW]

Is there an inexpensive lapidary grinder or a DIY solution with a standard grinder or dremmel that would allow me to buff just a small section of rocks I find so I can see how they would look if polished all over or cut. I’ve seen video where people just make a “window” so you can see inside the stone especially when clear or observe the pattern of the stone. I really prefer natural shapes and while I have a tumbler I don’t like to tumble them to total smoothness. Some rocks I’d rather not tumble at all but have no idea if they’re even pretty without doing so. (Mostly just guessing how they would look). I’m hoping for something cheap since this is just fun for me. Also any suggestions on books or sources to help me learn how to identify rocks in the rough? Thank you. Apologies if this is the wrong place to ask this I wasn’t sure where else it belonged.

[SteveB]

This is the wrong question to ask here. This forum is ONLY for mineral specimens not for shaping, polishing, cutting, or buying/selling them. You should find a lapidary forum.

[Jesse Fisher]

Hello Adrian, The FMF is primarily about specimen mineralogy and not lapidary items or procedures, so you are not likely to find much useful information here. I would suggest looking on Facebook for any likely lapidary groups, or checking to see if there is an active gem and lapidary club in your area. Many of these clubs will have lapidary equipment facilities that are available for club members to use.