Turquoise

I have used Turquoise to crown a couple of thumb studs. I just start with a small piece and shape it with a file and sandpaper. It takes time but comes out OK. I guess it would depend on how much shaping you are trying to do.
 
You can also obtain "reconstituted turquoise" from places like K&G and maybe Texas Knifemakers Supply. It is much easier to work with. I have been fortunate enough to "pick and choose" from time to time at Texas Knifemakers Supply. Some of it looks pretty good, other scales or slabs look pretty fake. It is supposed to be "real" turquoise but it is my understanding that it is crushed then "reconstituted" in a polymer resin. If I am wrong about this, someone please chime in, this is just what I have been told.

C Wilkins
 
From having relatives that lived in arizona and were part time rockhounds and jewelers, I found out that there are 3 basic classes of Turquoise. 1 is natural gem quality, hard enough to take a polish in it's natural state. rare and expensive nowdays. 2 is solid pieces of soft turquoise (called chalk) that have been stabilized with acrylic, and then shaped 3 crushed turquoise that is moulded in a plastic base. The third type is ok for spacers and such, but junk for jewelery.

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