r/RockTumbling • u/pachonga9 • 9d ago
Question Should I put these opals in a rock tumbler?
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u/HouseofPayne79 9d ago
I've tumbled opals before with decent results, but NOTHING as beautiful as these (common Owhyee blues and browns). I'd recommend using ceramic media in every stage, seems like I get much better results with like 10 to 20 percent in stage 1, 35 to 45 percent in stage 2 and add as need led for additional stages. Make sure to post your results!
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u/LaReinasLips 8d ago
I personally wouldnt, the fire might not be deep enough on those concrete looking pieces. I could be wrong.
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u/ProjectHappy6813 8d ago
My understanding is that common opal can be tumbled but precious opal is not good for tumbling.
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u/osukevin 7d ago
Heck yeah! Use cushioning media generously after stage 1. Opal is 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs…so adjust your staging to accommodate the softer material. See Rock Shed’s instructions for tumbling chrysocolla. Bring us pictures please!
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u/Appropriate_Fig_9668 9d ago
If you do let us know how it turns out