- 1). Determine the name of the mineral specimen that you plan to trim using reference books or online sources. Determine if your mineral sample has good cleavage, which is the ability of the mineral to break along planes within the crystal structure and form distinct shapes. Minerals that do not have cleavage will fracture and not form a particular shape. Knowing the natural form of the mineral will assist you in the trimming process to produce a quality sample.
- 2). Examine the mineral sample and determine what areas you wish to trim and the proper tool for the job. Hard minerals and minerals that can fracture may necessitate the use of a rock saw while other minerals may trim easily with the use of a hammer and chisel. Base your choice of tooling on your mineral type and personal preference; however, if you plan to sell the specimen, the use of a chisel will likely achieve a more preferable, natural look where a saw will produce only flat sides.
- 3). Secure the mineral specimen to the clamp so that it remains steady while you are trimming the sample. Some rock saws have a built-in clamp for this purpose. Leave the area to be trimmed exposed on the outside of the clamp.
- 4). Trim the sample gently using the hammer and chisel or rock saw. If you use a hammer and chisel, place the chisel along the plane you wish to trim and use the hammer to tap lightly on the end of the specimen. Use the brush to clean each area as you trim the specimen.
- 5). Rotate the specimen in the clamp and repeat the trimming process. To ensure that you do not trim too much of the material, concentrate on small areas and take frequent breaks to examine the overall look of the specimen.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -