James asks…
What kind of drill bit should I use to drill through a small agate slab?
I bought a small agate slab recently (about two inches long and about one eighth of an inch thick), and I wanted to make it in to a sort of pendant for a necklace. That being said, I'd need to drill a small hole through it. So, what kind of drill bit should I use? I was thinking of using a typical tile bit with a carbide tip. But, would that work? Any advice with this would help out a lot. Thank you.
admin answers:
No, don't use a masonry bit --- it's designed for concrete and brick. You have a piece of natural stone. Use a small carbide bit, and go slow -- heat will crack it and make it break along the edge. If it's a cabochon, set it upside down (curved side down) in a bed of damp sand, and make a little "dam" of modeling clay around the area where you want to drill. Fill the dam with light oil (sewing machine oil) and drill right through the oil. It will absorb heat, and protect from breaking. Go slow.
Joseph asks…
what would be the best way to package a small 1.3 ounce stone to mail?
I have a 1.3 ounce agate I have to ship for ebay, could I use a bubble envelope with extra padding?
admin answers:
You might try a larger mailing envelope because it will cost you extra with a regular. They use the .39 cent postage for anything up to one oz. A small shipping envelope should do just fine. You don't need extra padding, the bubble wrap will do just fine.
Linda asks…
please i would like to know if the gem buisness is a good buisness to invest in.?
i want to go into the gem buisness internationally . i have 600 carrats of shapphire and 700 carrats of emeralds some quatity of agate and beryl i need to know what to do.i need one on one buisness not internet.
admin answers:
It all depends upon where you are and what your resources are.
I love gems and have dabbled in gems.
Check out with the place you want to start in.
Wish you best.
Maria asks…
what rock/gems are in the arizona desert?
I pick up agate, and see quartz, but what else should I look for?
admin answers:
American, colored gemstones, including Arizona Peridot,
Four Peaks Amethyst, Arizona Garnets, and Turquoise
from the Southwest.
Http://www.gemland.com/
great site
Robert asks…
Can anyone identify this crystal slice?
I have just bought this crystal but I don't actually know what it is. I was thinking it could be brown agate as most slices are agate.
Thanks.
http://s586.photobucket.com/albums/ss307/CentralBattlefield/?action=view¤t=DSC02730.jpg
It might not be clear but there is no black, it's very dark brown.
admin answers:
Yes, it is agate. It looks like a geode to me.
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