Heat resistant stones

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi all, I am making Sterling silver Tea Balls with assorted stones
and cabochons. I need stones that will not be affected by boiling
water. I searched the archives and did not find the info so was
wondering if anyone could help.

Thanks, Mike in Michigan

2

Hi Mical,

Boiling water is not too hot compaired to other heating methods ,
Most stones will stand it

The stones to Avoid are Apatitte and Zircons ( might have color
changes )

Ahmed Shareek
Crescent gems

3

If you are at sea level… water boils around 100C, right? I would
strongly recommend citrines and amethysts. Citrine will get darker
only when temperature is above 250C.

Goodfellow,Richard
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

4 
Kevin Whitmore and Judy Anderson at Rio Grande have done extensive
experiments on what gemstones can withstand the heat of being
fired in PMC3 at 1110 degrees.

You can find the list of stones on line at:

http://www.pmc-conference.com/

“Stone fired in place into PMC”

Go to Tech Resources for 2002 Conference, and it’s the 2nd one on
the list.

He lists which stones survived, and which ones survived with some
color changes.

Seems like a good place to start.

Elaine
Elaine Luther
Metalsmith, Certified PMC Instructor
http://www.CreativeTextureTools.com
Hard to Find Tools for Metal Clay