Treated Quartz Faceting Information


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Treated Quartz Faceting Information

Oro Verde (Quartz)

Oro Verde Quartz/treated quartz

Color: Gold to yellow/green
Moh's Hardness: 7
Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553
Critical Angle: 40.49°
Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.65
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Dispersion: .013
Heat Sensitivity: Can be. but is usually not a problem
Dichroism: none
Birefringence (double refraction): Weak (.009)
Crystal structure: Hexagonal

Treatments: This material is irradiated from clear Quartz. Some material is heated lighter, and there maybe other process involved, it is a trade secret.

What I prefer to polishing with: Cerium oxide with a Spectra Ultralap.

Jeff's Comments: Cuts and polishes like any other Quartz, usually no problems. I like to use a 1200 Nu Bond lap for pre-polish, it makes the polishing stage faster and easier. Cuts an interesting stone especially in large sizes.

Design Notes: About any Quartz design will work well. As the rough gets more saturated. I prefer to cut large Quartz, they are actually pretty impressive, especially for material that costs almost nothing.

Design Links: 4-Way Stop - This is great for saturated rough if you have a piece that will work in the shape.
Be Still My Heart - Good in about any Quartz
CheckMate - Neat in medium color Quartz
Light House - Nice in any Quartz
Utopia - Classic Barion pear


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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