subject: The Art Of Lapidary Transforms Mundane Into Magnificent [print this page] There are few things more gratifying that turning something plain and ordinary into something beautiful and extraordinary. This is what draws many to the art of lapidary where seemingly ordinary rocks are transformed into exquisite works of wonder by an experienced lapidary with a fine eye and skilled hand. The lapidary begins with rough stones or minerals in which potential is seen, followed by steps of cutting and polishing to reveal the colors and designs inherent in the stone as it takes on the new shape desired by the artisan. Many stones are shaped and polished for use in fine jewelry. Others can be shaped into useful items such as plates or bowls.
Many lapidaries primarily create what are called cabochons for use in jewelry and other decorative applications. A cabochon, often shortened to 'cab,' is a highly polished stone that is flat on one side and domed on the other. To create the cabochon from a large piece of rock, the rock must be cut to the desired thickness by a slab saw. Smaller rocks can be cut by a smaller trim saw. The trim saw is also used to trim the stone close to what will become its final shape, that is oval, square, round, or other desired shape such as free-form. After the rough shape is achieved with the trim saw, the stone is refined and polished.
Polishing is where the artistry of the lapidary shines, along with the stone. Lapidary equipment used to achieve the gleaming sheen desired includes rock tumblers or vibratory tumblers. Rock tumblers are less expensive and are particularly suitable for young lapidaries for whom lapidary can become a lifelong hobby or profession. Rock tumblers are good for course or medium level grinding to smooth the stone. The vibratory tumblers create a smoother surface and works more quickly than rotary tumblers and come with a higher price tag.
Stones are further polished with grinding units that are available in a number of types. Some of them perform multiple jobs like sawing as well as grinding. Grinding is done to give the stone its final shape that is further refined by delicate and fine sanding. The final step is polishing that uses chemical agents like aluminum oxide, tin oxide, ferric oxide, and others applied with cloth or leather to bring out the dazzling shine and clarity of the stone.
With basic lapidary equipment and tools, most anyone can transform the plain into the beautiful. It can provide many years of enjoyment as a hobby or become a lucrative business opportunity for the talented and skilled lapidary.
