Smoky Quartz

Did I mention that I liked hexagon shaped gems?

Did I mention that I liked hexagon shaped gems?

These were started as part of the faceting demonstration at a local rock show and then provided a base for learning more about using some other tools on the fantasy machine.

4.48 ct. smoky quartz, 10.2 mm. concave facets on pavilion and apex crown.

 

lemon citrine, 6.69 cts., 12.1 mm, compound concaves on pavilion with the slitter tool

 

5.13 cts., smoky quartz, 10.8 mm., similar to previous using slitter tool to make small compound concaves on pavilion

 

Crown Variation

Instead of the typical step cut crown, this 12.39 ct. smoky quartz has a series of steps across the entire upper side of the stone. With the concaves on the pavilion, the result has a stone that looks like it has rows of tiny LEDs hiding inside.

Beginning Attempt with the Fantasy tools

After a number of failed exercises trying to get up to speed with the V-groove tools that came with the ULTRA TEC Faceting fantasy machine, this stone was a step in the right direction.

The grooves were more curves rather than straight sided and my attempts to polish were only partially successful.

The stone is smoky quartz, 6.68 carats, 11.4 mm across

 

Smoky Surprise

I don’t often cut smoky quartz. However, this one was a badly chipped stone that a local jeweler provided so it was a good “preform” use as a starting point for additional experiments with the UT Fantasy machine.

The end result is 22.99 carats, and 23.2 x 14.5 mm.