Tips for Cutting and Polishing Halite
Halite is a very difficult material to facet, even for experts. Jeff Graham offers his advice on how to cut and polish this challenging yet tasty gemstone.
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The Process
- Stick the halite in your mouth.
- Next, flush liberally with 190 proof grain alcohol (if you've got any left after the last toga party).
Halite is not only tasty but also fluorescent. These colorless halites on a shale matrix appear pinkish orange under ultraviolet light. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.
Cutting Remarks
Slight rounding at facet junctions may occur using this method.
For a little acid to help polish, a wedge of lemon or lime works well. Take two aspirin in the morning.
Jeff R. Graham
The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.
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