Polishing Dalmatian Jasper in a Rock Tumbler
Dalmatian jasper — also often called Dalmation jasper — is instantly recognisable by its creamy to beige base with black spots. Despite the trade name, the material is not always a true jasper mineralogically. For the rock tumbler, the main point is that many pieces are compact and polish well.
Polishing Moonstone in a Rock Tumbler
Moonstone is a feldspar known for its soft, floating sheen. White and grey moonstone in particular can show a blue or silvery glow at the right angle. That makes it an attractive stone for the rock tumbler, but it requires more care than hard quartzes such as agate, jasper and rock crystal.
Polishing Hematite in a Rock Tumbler
Hematite is an iron oxide that can take on a striking steel-grey to almost mirror-like metallic lustre after polishing. The stone feels relatively heavy and looks completely different from quartz or jasper. In a rock tumbler, hematite can turn out beautifully, but it does require a different approach.
Polishing Rhodonite in a Rock Tumbler
Rhodonite is prized for its pink to pinkish-red colour, often combined with black or dark grey manganese oxide veins. The stone can polish beautifully, but it needs a little more attention than compact agate because fractures, black veins and softer zones can respond differently in specific areas.
Polishing Petrified Wood in a Rock Tumbler
Petrified wood is fossil wood in which the original organic material has been replaced by minerals, often silica, over a very long period of time. As a result, a piece may still clearly show growth rings, grain or fibre structure, while polishing behaves like stone.
Polishing Unakite in a rock tumbler
Unakite stands out immediately thanks to its combination of olive green and salmon pink. The rock usually consists of green epidote, pink feldspar and light quartz-like components. For the rock tumbler, unakite is an interesting choice, but the different minerals do not wear away at exactly the same rate everywhere.
Polishing Chalcedony in a Rock Tumbler
Chalcedony is a tough and rewarding stone for the rock tumbler. Read how to sort, tumble and gradually turn chalcedony smooth and glossy.
Polishing Moss Agate in a Rock Tumbler
Moss agate looks beautiful in a rock tumbler: translucent chalcedony with green, moss-like patterns. With a good selection, the stone can develop a very attractive shine.
Polishing Blue Quartz in a Rock Tumbler
Blue quartz is hard and usually well suited to a rock tumbler. Learn how to sort and combine the stone, and how to bring it to a good shine without unnecessary scratches.
Polishing Dendritic Agate in a Rock Tumbler
Dendritic agate is usually white to cream with green, branch-like inclusions. The stone is hard enough for the rock tumbler and can develop a beautiful soft to strong shine.
Polishing Bloodstone (Heliotrope) in a Rock Tumbler
Bloodstone, also called heliotrope, is a hard green chalcedony with red speckles. As a result, it is generally excellent for a rock tumbler.
Polishing Labradorite in a Rock Tumbler
Labradorite can be tumbled in a rock tumbler, but it needs more care than agate or jasper. Learn how to minimise breakage, scratches and loss of shine.
Polishing Rose Quartz in a Rock Tumbler
Polishing rose quartz in a rock tumbler? Learn how to sort the stone, which grit stages to use, and how to prevent chips and scratches.
Polishing Tiger’s Eye in a Rock Tumbler
Polishing tiger’s eye? Read how to bring out the golden-brown chatoyant band and which grit stages and batch setups work best.
Polishing Clear Quartz in a Rock Tumbler
Polishing clear quartz in a rock tumbler? Learn how to avoid white bruising and scratches, and work step by step towards a clear shine.
Polishing Sodalite in a Rock Tumbler
Polishing sodalite calls for more patience than quartz. Learn how to handle differences in hardness, white veins and chips for a beautiful blue shine.
Polishing Amazonite in a Rock Tumbler
Polishing amazonite in a rock tumbler? Learn how to minimise cleavage and chips and work step by step towards a smooth blue-green sheen.
Polishing Aventurine in a Rock Tumbler
Polishing aventurine in a rock tumbler? Read which grit stages work, how to limit pits, and which stones green aventurine pairs well with.
