It is very likely you would have seen or heard of "Tumbled Stones." Tumbled Stones are one of the most common crystals out there on the market, with their striking array of colours and smooth polished finish. Here you can learn about what Tumbled Stones are, how they are made and what you can do with them.
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WHAT IS A TUMBLED STONE?
Tumbled Stones are rocks or minerals in their natural rough formation, that have been transferred to under go a process in a machine, referred to as a "Rock Tumbler" to give them a polished and smooth surface. To start, rocks are added into the tumbler, along with sand, water and coarse grit. The barrel of the rock tumbler slowly rotates, the stones inside start to lose their rough edges. The smoothness of the polished finish is determined by the coarseness of grit being used. The first stages of rock tumbling a very coarse grit is used, followed by a medium, and finishing up with fine grit.
The process for tumbling stones is a timely one, that can take as little as one week or up to two months! The length of time varies, depending on the type of tumbler being used, and the type of rock or mineral you are tumbling.
Fluorite and Calcite, are two softer materials that sit at 3 - 4 on the MOHS Hardness Scale, meaning the length of time it takes to tumble them is reduced. In comparison, Quartz, Agate and Jasper sit at a 6 - 7 on the scale, meaning they are much harder, therefore the length of time to achieve a polished and finished look is extended.
"Agate, Quartz and Jasper varieties are some of the most commonly used materials for tumbling."
WHAT IS THE MOHS HARDNESS SCALE?
The MOHS hardness scale is a convenient way to help identify minerals, it is based on the ability of one mineral to scratch another mineral visibly.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH TUMBLED STONES?
Tumbled Stones are the perfect tool for carrying alongside you, putting a halt on that negative energy trying to bring you down. Small and versatile yet extremely convenient, tumble stones can be added into your everyday routine with ease. Tumbled stones can be added into your lifestyle in several different ways. Here's some examples of what you could do with them.
- Carry them with you,
- Wire wrap into jewellery,
- Add into plant pots,
- Turn them into magnets,
- Crystal grids,
- Make a centrepiece for the table,
- Incorporate into Macrame,
- Paper weights,
- Or, simply collect them!
WHY CHOOSE TUMBLED STONES?
Tumbled Stones are for the most part affordable and easily accessible. This makes them a great choice for beginners looking to take the leap into a crystal healing journey, or to simply start off an amazing collection.
Each and every tumbled stone is unique and one of a kind, nobody else will ever have the exact same you have.