Blue topaz
may be the second most popular gem stone, according to Gem Select, but working with it can prove difficult. The stone measures 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, according to Ganoksin, and the scale only goes up to 10. But because of its perfect cleavage direction, blue topaz can easily break. It takes care, precision and the proper tools to carve blue topaz without cracking, splitting or splintering the stone.
Instructions
1. Mount the blue topaz on a metal dowel and align the machine's angles to form a triangle. Height controls the depth of each cut and the angle controls the plane upon which each cut is made.
2. Lower the stone to the abrasive lap wheel or coarse wheel and operate. Watch the progress carefully so the cuts are not too deep or extensive.
3. Wet the stone to keep it from overheating. Keep it moist throughout the carving process.
4. Carve sharp right angles, or facets, with a silicon carbide wheel's edge.
5. Sand the surface of the stone until smooth using fine grit sandpaper. Change to a slightly finer grit sandpaper and sand again. Sand several times, using a finer grit each time.
6. Coat the stone with olive oil to make flaws less obvious. Polish with a soft cloth and olive oil.
Tags: blue topaz, finer grit, grit sandpaper