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Carving quartz

Jewelry Discussion
#1

I had this idea to get a stone pendant (amethyst) carved into a name
stamp/seal and went to a standard stamp carver, first asking “can
you carve any stone?” Well, they tell me that tools couldn’t even
scratch the surface. I’m not sure what stones are normally used for
stamps but I wouldn’t have thought it was that much softer because
jade used to be a standard stone (??) for name stamps and the
hardnesses are 6.5 for jade vs 7 for quartz.

But, even if the current name stamp stones are much softer, there
are people out there who carve quartz. Plus there might be other
means such as chemical etching or sandblasting with a mask, right?
Any recommendations of processes or people who can do the job out
here in Vancouver-(ish), BC, Canada?

Carol Wang
http://www.elegant.ca

#2 
But, even if the current name stamp stones are much softer, there
are people out there who carve quartz.  Plus there might be other
means such as chemical etching or sandblasting with a mask, right?

Carol,

It is true that chemical etching and sandblasting are possibilities,
but I don’t recommend either process. Aside from the hazards
involved both are fairly slow procedures. You can carve amethyst
with a flex shaft, diamond points, and dripping (maybe even running)
water. The secret is not to let the stone heat up from the friction.
The amount of water needed is based on the speed and pressure used.
You can use any cheap piece of quartz to learn with and directly
translate that new knowledge to the more expensive amethyst. A drill
press or carving arbor can also be used.

I don’t know of anyone in your area currently who is doing this type
of carving. I specialize in carving seals and signets in gemstone
and will be more than happy to offer any further advice or
assistance.

Epaul Fischer
http://www.gemartist.com

#3

Carol, I’m afraid I can’t give you a name because I’ve lost contact
with my friend. However, I watched this fellow sand blast names and
pictures on rather large quartz crystals so I know that it can be
done. I don’t know what blasting media he was using though. Sorry.

Mike

#4

Carol,

I missed the beginning of this thread, so please forgive me if I’m
covering old ground.

Quartz can be carved and patterned very easily with a sandblaster.
If you simply want surface texture changes or the like then the
small bench models should suffice. If you want to remove material
and carve the stone, then you will need something with more power,
like the glass artists use. I have a large cabinet with a 5 HP.
compressor behind it. In either case I would recommend you use
aluminum oxide abrasive at about 150-180 grit. Things like glass
bead will have little effect since the quartz is harder than the
glass.

Hope that helps.
Best,
Don Friedlich

Note From Ganoksin Staff:
Looking for a sandblasting cabinet for your jewelry projects? We recommend:

#5

Continue from:
https://orchid.ganoksin.com/t/carving-quartz

    But, even if the current name stamp stones are much softer,
there are people out there who carve quartz.  Plus there might be
other means such as chemical etching or sandblasting with a mask,
right?

Gee I have no idea about in your region but since I carve cameos in
precious(ruby emerald) and semi-precious stones as well as shell I
can only say that the seal carver must not have much carving
knowledge. Diamond burs work very well on emerald and when I go down
to a 7 hardness of quartz it’s like cutting butter in comparison.
Have you considered doing it youself? dop a thick blank of material
and remove the material with your foredom and diamond burs.

Go on everyone have a go carve some gems then someday maybe attempt
shell and let me remove my tag line!!!

Lonely for some creative company in Pittsburgh…

Teri
America’s Only cameo Artist
www.cameoartist.com

#6

Hi.

Check out some of the carvings on the middle of this page:
http://professionaljeweler.com/archives/articles/2003/feb03/0203gn.html

Glenn Lehrer is a master at carving quartz.

Search out some of his award winning designs (not the least of which
is the Bahia!).