I am completely mesmerized by the pattern in this freshly polished piece. The contrast between the brilliant turquoise areas and the dark, metallic matrix makes it look like an aerial map of a desert oasis. Another day of hand-cutting that reminds me why I love being a lapidary artist. Hope you enjoy looking at it as much as I do!

Howaya folks!

I’m only getting started in lapidary, but I’ve been having great craic shaping and polishing a few stones lately, including a heart in blue apatite, which I’m not ashamed to say I’m fairly happy with.

The rest are practice pieces a serpentine, amazonite, moss agate and one last stone that’s still a work in progress but more traditional cab.
Nothing fancy, just me getting used to the wheels and burrs and trying not to make a hames of things.

No big questions, but any advice for beginners would be appreciated!

Delighted to finally post here. Cheers for taking a look.

My Wife made this ring with my first piece.I just started lapidary and made these from some raw chunks. They turned out way better than I expected. She is currently working on the other two. Hope to post those soon.

Finished it a few days ago, Cabs Lace Agate pieces

Hi everyone! I hope this is okay to share here. I read the rules and I think I am okay??

I’m a teacher living in a pretty remote part of southern Utah, surrounded by more rocks than people!

When I first got into lapidary, I remember trying to find polychrome jasper and being shocked at how expensive it was when I finally found some. I just wanted fun material to cut and experiment with without spending a fortune. I ended up buying a large quantity and had plenty extra and wanted to share with others.

It’s just a side gig (teaching is my real job), but I love finding interesting material and making it affordable for other rock people.

One of my favorite things is throwing in free rocks. Any purchase comes with free Utah rocks because I live in rockhounding heaven and I love sharing a little piece of it with people. And honestly it’s a feel good venture, I love this hobby I’ve gotten into and going to brightens others as well.

Anyway, if you enjoy cutting, polishing, collecting, or just looking at cool rocks, you’re welcome to come check out my page. Even if you don’t buy anything, I always enjoy meeting other people who get excited about rocks! I definitely would love for you to share your lapidary creations.

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CfjrThDL5/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I attempted to make a sound shroud type thing for my saw out of osb linesd with yoga mats …. I don’t think it made a difference lol

Test cuts from a new spot! The patterns carry through, and the rock quality is great! The white/purple on the first one is translucent, as is the green rock. The last rock is translucent also, it cracked but I’m blaming the dull, tile saw blade.

I have tried over and over and over again. Even with all the incredible advice I’ve been given and I just can’t do it. 😖
Is there a chance I can hire someone for a reasonable price to drill some holes for me?
I have a drill press, diamond bits- solid bits and hollow bits, I have a water basin and a water drip. I am flat out exhausted now from trying.
Is there anyone who has the technique nailed down who would be willing to hire out and drill some holes for me? Thank you.