What is the best grit to use when tumbling rocks?

Hey there! When it comes to rock tumbling, choosing the right grit is crucial for achieving that beautiful polished finish. So, what's the best grit to use? Well, it depends on the stage of the tumbling process you're at.

Let's start from the beginning. The first stage of rock tumbling is called the "coarse grind." During this stage, you'll want to use a coarse grit, typically around 60/90 mesh. This grit is quite abrasive and helps to shape and smooth the rough edges of your rocks. It's like giving them a good exfoliating scrub!

Once you've completed the coarse grind, it's time to move on to the next stage, which is the "medium grind." Here, you'll switch to a medium grit, usually around 150/220 mesh. This grit continues to shape your rocks, but with a finer touch. It helps to refine the surfaces and remove any remaining roughness.

After the medium grind, it's time for the "fine grind." This stage requires a finer grit, typically around 500 mesh. The fine grit smooths out any remaining imperfections and prepares your rocks for the final polishing stage. It's like giving them a spa treatment!

Finally, we reach the last stage: polishing. To achieve that gorgeous, glossy finish, you'll need a polishing compound. This compound is usually in the form of a powder or paste and is applied to the rocks while they tumble. It's important to note that polishing compounds are not classified by mesh size like the other grits. Instead, they are graded by their hardness. Look for a compound with a hardness of at least 7 on the Mohs scale, such as aluminum oxide or cerium oxide.

Now, it's important to mention that the best grit for your rocks may vary depending on their hardness and the specific tumbling equipment you're using. So, it's always a good idea to consult the manufacturer's recommendations or do a bit of experimentation to find what works best for you.

Remember, rock tumbling is a process that requires patience and experimentation. It's all about finding the right combination of grits and techniques to achieve the results you desire. So, don't be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!

I hope this helps you on your rock tumbling journey. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Happy tumbling!

Oliver Brown

rock history, archaeology, anthropology, writing

Oliver is a rock historian who has a passion for uncovering the stories behind ancient rocks and minerals. He enjoys researching and writing about the history of rocks and their significance in human culture and civilization.