Our Process

Collecting and polishing rocks is a fascinating process that involves several steps to transform rough stones into beautifully polished gems. It also gives you a true appreciation for the awesome beauty of nature.

I feel very much at home in nature and the hobby of collecting unique rocks, holding something that was formed millions of years ago, in the palm of your hand can be as much as intriguing as it is humbling.

This process has inspired me to delve deeper into Geological science and I continue to be in awe and amazement at what I find in the process.

This brief guide, we will take you through the basic overall process of how our rocks are collected and tumbled to a polished finish, including any extra work that might be involved.

Step 1: Rock Collection

Me at one of our favorite locations in LI, NY 

 

The first step in the process is to collect rocks from various sources. Rocks can be found in nature, such as in rivers, mountains, or beaches. They can also be purchased from rock and gemstone suppliers. It is important to choose rocks that are suitable for tumbling and polishing, such as those with a hardness of 7 or higher on the Mohs scale.

Step 2: Cleaning and Sorting

Some rocks cleaned and prepped for tumbling

Once the rocks are collected, they need to be cleaned and sorted. This involves removing any dirt, debris, or unwanted materials from the rocks. The rocks are then sorted based on their size and hardness, as rocks of similar characteristics are tumbled together to ensure an even and consistent polishing process.

Step 3: Preparing the Tumbler

Our tumbling station

Next, the tumbler is prepared for the polishing process. The tumbler is a machine that rotates the rocks, causing them to rub against each other and gradually wear down to a polished finish. The tumbler is filled with a specific ratio of rocks, abrasive grit, and water. The abrasive grit acts as a polishing agent, while the water helps to cushion the rocks and prevent them from chipping or breaking.

Step 4: Coarse Grinding

In the first stage of tumbling, known as coarse grinding, the rocks are tumbled for several days or weeks, depending on their hardness. This stage involves the use of coarse grit, which helps to remove the rough outer layer of the rocks and shape them into more uniform shapes. The rocks are checked regularly to monitor their progress and ensure that they are being evenly ground.

Step 5: Medium Grinding

After the coarse grinding stage, the rocks are moved to the next stage, known as medium grinding. In this stage, a finer grit is used to further smooth and shape the rocks. The rocks are tumbled for another period of time, gradually reducing the size of any remaining rough edges or imperfections.

Step 6: Fine Grinding

Once the rocks have been through the medium grinding stage, they are ready for the final stage of grinding, known as fine grinding. In this stage, a very fine grit is used to achieve a smooth and polished finish. The rocks are tumbled for a final period of time, resulting in a high-gloss shine and a professional-looking appearance.

Step 7: Lapping and Polishing

In some cases, additional steps may be taken to achieve an even higher level of polish. This can involve using a flat lap machine or hand lapping techniques to further refine the surface of the rocks. Lapping involves rubbing the rocks against a flat surface with a polishing compound, gradually smoothing out any remaining imperfections and enhancing the shine.

Step 8: Final Inspection and Packaging

Once the rocks have been tumbled and polished to the desired finish, they are carefully inspected for any remaining flaws or imperfections. Any rocks that do not meet the quality standards are set aside for further processing or discarded. The polished rocks are then carefully sorted, ready to be used in jewelry making, or other decorative purposes.

And there you have it - the step-by-step process of how rocks are collected and tumbled to a polished finish. It is a meticulous and time-consuming process that requires patience and expertise. The end result is a stunning collection of polished rocks that can be enjoyed for their natural beauty and used in various creative projects.