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Techniques for CollectorsStabalizing Turquoise

22nd Oct 2011 02:22 UTCBrad Firt

HI

Im not finding much about the process of stabalizing polished turquoise. I want to oil and wax my cabs, but againg do not know the process. Oiling I can imagine is straight forward- SO can anyone tell my how one would traditionally apply paraffin wax? Does one just dip it? How do you polish away excess wax?

Anyone with knowledge here reply would be appreciated!

Thanks

22nd Oct 2011 11:51 UTCMichael Croxell

It is not recommended to use oil to saw turquoise so I donot think that would be a good idea. Why do anything? Most material is sealed quite well in the polishing process. Mike

22nd Oct 2011 15:09 UTCRock Currier Expert

Paraffin has been used for generations to make the color of somewhat porous stones a deeper color. You just heat up the Paraffin till it is liquid and drop your stone in and let it sit for a few minutes and then take it out and us a paper towel to wipe off the excess. As the stone cools, it will "suck" any excess paraffin into the stone. The same process is applied commercially to all tumbled polished stones.

22nd Oct 2011 15:35 UTCReiner Mielke Expert

Rock you didn't tell him about using colored Paraffin.>:D<

22nd Oct 2011 20:27 UTCBrad Firt

Mike,

Thats good to hear. I am just starting with turquoise - having worked other stones - and just want to know that I will have a way to make poor quality, should I ever end up with it, can be managed in some way.

Thanks

7th Nov 2011 15:06 UTCTim Jokela Jr

Now would wax be actually stabilizing, or just color enhancing?

My definition of stabilizing would be impregnation with adhesive, used to make low quality, uncuttable rough useful.

Your options are Opticon, epoxy, or a silicate solution.

Info on all of the above processes is easily obtained via google.

T

1st Feb 2012 22:19 UTCBoris Kolodny

Keep in mind that tall commercial ways to stabilize Turquoise are very toxic and bad for your health.