Major update to lapidary skillset –
Introduction to Mineralogy and Lapidary
Mineralogy is the study of minerals, their properties, structures, and formation. It explores how minerals are classified and identified based on physical and chemical characteristics.
Lapidary is the craft of cutting, shaping, and polishing minerals and gemstones to enhance their beauty. It involves techniques like faceting, cabochon cutting, and carving, requiring knowledge of mineral properties and specialized tools.
Together, mineralogy and lapidary combine science and artistry, revealing the natural beauty of minerals and their transformation into decorative and functional pieces
The enclosed tools will allow you to properly shape and grade various gemstones. Please
maintain each tool in proper condition, as they require calibration and cleaning to remain in good working order.
Procedure for shaping gemstones –
Laser Gem Processor
All gemstones first must be ground using a laser gem processor. This processor is located in the mineralogy laboratory, bottom floor of the Pyramid building. Access to the processor will be by appointment or set meeting times.
After adjusting the settings on the processor, the user needs to ‘grind a gemstone’ using the device. After waiting a short while for the machine to complete the process, the finished gemstone should appear in the chute at the bottom.
The quality of the finished gemstone is largely determined by the quality of the raw stone, as well as the skills possessed by the user of the lapidary tools. One may determine the quality of either a raw or finished stone by using a jeweler’s loupe. By wearing a loupe, the image is magnified and allows for easier viewing of the gemstone’s features.
One can ‘grade a gemstone’ based on one’s skill level and proper use of the loupe. Wearing a loupe while possessing the knowledge to understand the intricacies of mineralogy will also provide additional information to the wearer.
After the gemstone has been initially ground and processed, one can then choose to cut the gemstone if they so wish. For this, a gemstone cutter is required.
Gemstone Cutter
This handheld device is designed for those who have studied lapidary and understand its fundamental techniques. To begin, the processed stone must be carefully placed into the device.
The next step is to determine the desired final product. The standard laser cutter can create gemstones, figurines, or pendants. The user must first define the parameters:
· Defining the Parameters: Enter the following command into the device:
define cutter “<product type>”
· Choosing a Design (For Figurines & Pendants): After selecting a figurine or pendant, the user must choose a specific design by entering:
adjust cutter “<design>”
Available designs depend on the user’s skill level. With experience, more complex designs become easier to execute. The device currently supports over 75 design settings, with the possibility of future manufacturer updates.
· Selecting a Cut (For Gemstones, Figurines & Pendants): While figurines and pendants can have either a smooth or textured cut, gemstones offer a wider range of cutting options. The user must enter the following command:
calibrate cutter “<cut>”
· Engraving (For Figurines & Pendants): Skilled users of the laser cutter can create engraved messages, up to a certain character count. The greater the skill, the more characters they are capable of fitting upon the stone in a legible fashion. The device must be set with the correct command before attempting an engraving:
engrave cutter “<message>”
Once the settings are configured, the user can activate the cutter to begin the process. The final product’s quality is determined by the original gemstone’s condition and the user’s skill level.
