Rock Tumbling Supplies

Rock tumblers are used to smoothen the rough surface of rocks. We can find smooth stones in rivers and streams, which are formed as a result of the geological rock tumbling process. The flow of water makes the stones in rivers and streams collide with sand, water and other stones and gradually make their surfaces smooth. This process can be emulated to produce smoothened rocks by using rock tumblers. Rock tumblers use the mechanism of natural rock tumbling to smoothen rock surfaces. Rock tumblers require various materials to yield the end product of smoothened rocks. These materials, called rock tumbling supplies, are discussed here.

Rocks
Smooth and fine-edged stones are the final product of the rock tumbling process, and rocks are the principal requirements for the process. The choice of rocks to be used in the rock tumbler should be done carefully, as it will affect the quality of the end product. Good quality rocks give better results after tumbling. Usually, the rocks used for tumbling are Quartz, Jaspers, Agates, and Flints. These rocks do not have empty spaces and have grainy textures. While rocks such as sandstone, shale, schists and siltstone are fragile and thus are unable to withstand the tumbling process. Limestone and dolomite do acquire a smoothened surface after tumbling. However, they do not acquire gloss. Thus, it is important to identify the rocks before you tumble them. Do not use different types of rocks together for tumbling.

Tumbling Grit
Tumbling grit is a mixture in the rock tumbler that is harder than rocks and promotes the abrasion of the rocks. In commercial rock tumblers, the grit is made up of silicon carbide. When the rocks tumble, they come in contact with this grit and abrasion takes place. Different tumbling grits are used at different stages of rock tumbling. The different sizes of tumbling grits are coarse (60/90), medium (120/200) and fine (500). The coarseness of the sand is graded by the unit grit. Smaller the number that represents the grit, coarser is the silicon carbide. Coarse grit is used in the initial phase, while fine grit, a powder-like sand, is used during the last stage to polish the rocks. The mechanism of abrasion by grit is similar to that achieved by a sandpaper.

Rock Polish or Pre-Polish
Once the rocks are tumbled, they are to be polished to give a glossy look. This step is necessary to give a lustrous finish to the tumbled stones. There are various chemicals used for polishing these rocks that include oxide products like tin oxide, cerium oxide and aluminum oxide.

Tumbling Media
Tumbling media include materials like pellets and beads that are mixed with the grit. These are included to avoid chipping, cracking or breakage of rocks caused due to frequent tumbling. These act as cushions between the rocks. The tumbling media usually used in rock tumblers are small hardwood pieces, ceramic beads and plastic pellets.

Useful Rock Tumbling Tips

• Clean the container and the stones every time you change the grit.
• Ensure that you clean each stone separately while changing the grit.
• Do not fill the water completely with grit, as this may not give good results.
• Regular maintenance of the rock tumbler assembly that includes motor and other mechanism, is essential.
• If you find any stone that is cracked or damaged, remove it.
• Do not drain the used grit in sinks as your sink may get blocked.
• Use similar types of rocks while tumbling. Make batches of types of rocks and tumble them separately.
• Use small sizes of rocks for tumbling.

You can make your own homemade rock tumbler and use these rocks for many purposes. A lot of innovative ideas can be implemented with these tumbled rocks. Rock tumbling is a lengthy process and needs a lot of patience. It is important to use appropriate supplies to get smooth and polished rocks.