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Post by DigDug on Apr 4, 2007 18:09:29 GMT -5
My knowledge of Ruby and Sapphire is limited. Does this one hold the possibility of being a 'star'? Can someone here help me with this one?  |
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Post by claycat on Apr 9, 2007 8:11:32 GMT -5
Ed and I have had some stars come out of our finds from N.C. and we wouldn't be able to tell that they were stars until they showed up in the cab formation. I sure couldn't tell by looking at the rough. If there is a way to know before hand I sure would like to know.
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Post by jimolson on Apr 9, 2007 8:23:47 GMT -5
You find the stars in ruby the same way you orient the "flash" in moonstone. With Ruby the star is frequently along the "C" axis. Assuming the crystal is pencil shaped (roughly) the star (top of the cab) will be at the eraser or the point. if make the side of the crystal the top of the cab you may end up with a "cat eye" which is one leg of the star.
I cab the end of a crystal to orient the star and then cut the cab free from the crystal and polish the back.
jim
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Post by DigDug on Apr 9, 2007 8:54:52 GMT -5
Hmm, that is very interesting and informative, Jim, thanks.
Only thing is, I am not at the cabachon or cutting level.
I would certainly ruin something with any potential.
I just trust my better judgement and do not place certain items in the tumbler.
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Post by jimolson on Apr 9, 2007 9:38:52 GMT -5
The "Flash" will be noticeable you should have no trouble!
Lenoir, NC - Do you know Duane Olson?
jim
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Post by DigDug on Apr 9, 2007 11:56:58 GMT -5
No, don't know Duane.
The 'flash' you speak of, do you mean, if I tumble it for a day or two I may see the star?
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Post by freeform on Apr 15, 2007 15:58:56 GMT -5
I know miners of Idaho star garnets prefer tumbling most of the rough so it easier to oreinate the star from. When in full rough form, it can be very dificult to see the star. YOu maybe able to see a flash, but if there is a good star to be had. Without proper oreination to the cut table. Allot of value can be lost if cut poorly.
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Post by yogibear on May 11, 2007 9:24:41 GMT -5
If a Garnet is rough tombled the using the Motor Oil additive STP (a very small drop)by using a pen light the star can be seen and the orientated to center it. Dopping the stone directly underneith the star will let the stone be cut or polished to show the star. i don't know where this would work on other stones then Garnet but it makes sense that it would. Notice that I did not say assume because I know what that does.
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Post by rons on May 13, 2007 18:33:14 GMT -5
I usually do the same as jimolson..seems to work most of the time and if it does'nt star doing that, most likely it won't..like most things you've got to try and see what works for you..but most of all have fun..see you around....Ron
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Post by DigDug on May 16, 2007 9:42:45 GMT -5
Oddly enough, I have found...so far...approx. 10 star garnets amongst my Garnets by tumbling first. Have not tumbled my Rubies and Saph yet. Waiting for delivery of my Cab6/flexwheel unit this week.
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Post by rockrunner on Jun 9, 2007 0:31:06 GMT -5
if it were going to have a star it would be face up as you have it oriented in the picture. (or face down for that matter) wet the stone and look for a metallic sheen. No sheen, no star. Even with a sheen there is no gaurantee of a star. Not to dissapoint you, but that rough will not likely star.
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Post by william780 on Jul 9, 2008 11:29:47 GMT -5
Hey Dig,
I have several stars, both sapphire and ruby. They resembale the moonstone prior to cabing. I have black, purple, white and pink, along with ruby red. I'll try and load my pictures, if I can get the camera to work
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