Batch 79: The Coastal Collection

This coastal collection of stones have been picked up from the beach just in front of our place. Whilst not as smooth as it’s Gemstone Beach counterparts, there’s always the odd stunner that catches my eye. Theses stones often need a few tumbles/redos in Stage 1 because they are a lot rougher. There is a lot of granite down here too and that particular stone doesn’t tumble too well especially if it has a lot of mica in it.

Mica is a mineral found in all three major rock varieties (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic) and is a sparkly substance you can see it stones. It has a tendency to “drop out” during the tumbling process and can scratch other smooth stones especially if they are the softer (sedimentary) variety.

The Papatotara Coast stones have previously tumbled as a huge batch of stones in F60grit in the 12lb tumbler. Theses ones have been sitting in the ready for Stage 2 drawer until a smaller tumbler became free, hence the log below starting at Stage 2.

Batch 79 also spent time in 600grit as well because of the composition of the majority of these stones. They are often a mix of several minerals so it’s beneficial to add in that extra stage to give them that extra chance to become ready to take a polish.

Batch 79: 3lb Tumbler 1

Stage 2: 220grit

Number of Stones: 63
Weight in: 799g
3 Tbspns of 220grit
1 Tbspn Borax
Ceramic media added
Days Tumbling: 8
Weight out: 700g – loss of 99 grams

Removed 2 stones not ready for Stage 3

Stage 3: 400grit

Number of Stones: 61
Weight in: 679g
3 Tbspns of 400grit
1 Tbspn Borax
Ceramic media added
Days Tumbling: 10
Weight out: 569g – loss of 110 grams

Stage 4: 600grit

Number of Stones: 61
Weight in: 569g
3 Tbspns of 600grit
1 Tbspn Borax
Ceramic media added
Days Tumbling: 9
Weight out: 516g – loss of 53 grams

Pre-polish Soap Tumble: Rinsed well and spent 24 hours tumbling in 2 tspns of grated sunlight soap plus water.

Batch 79: Ready for Stage 2

B79 Stage 2 — From the pap coast stones readies drawer (so have previously tumbled in F60grit in 12lb tumbler

Batch 79: After 400 grit

Ready to Polish

Stage 4: Polish Mix

Number of Stones: 61
Weight in: 516g
Polish Mix (2nd use) already mixed together.
Ceramic media added for cushioning
Days Tumbling: 12
Weight out: Not weighed

Although there is a few Stones of Interest from Batch 79, overall I was rather disappointed in the finish of some of the stones. They have that “dull matte” look and I’m unsure if it’s my tumbling process or just the types of stones picked up on our Papatotara Coast.