Recent content by Squint

Thanks for the kind words mate! Still a beginner so lots of learning ahead for me. Awesome people on this site such as Sneaky Cuttlefish, Lefty,Wally and Dihusky are the reason I started on this journey. Truely inspirational and always helpful. Maybe we should point out more often the true value...

First Tourmaline done. Cut the two ends of the pavilion off to reduce the impact of the blacked out "C" section. Wasn't the best colour rough anyway but I'm still pretty happy with the results. This was the stone from the top left of the above photo. Both of the other stones from the top row had...

Ok, looks like joining the AFG and getting the magazine added is a must do. Unfortunately now I've spent the money on the machine I have it will need to last me till I can save for a new one. Don't actually have any books on faceting. Before the virus hit I was being taught at the Lapidary...

Thanks for your reply mate. My machine is a home made one. Looked for a machine for ages but either didn't have enough money at the right time or they were interstate. One seller told me I was a scammer because I asked if they would post at my expense. Anyway is what it is. The Topaz Tec that...

Nice find mate. I found a pretty good specimen during my visit there about twelve months ago, had about adozen light smokey points on it. Unfortunately one of the kids decided their pickaxe belonged in the same bucket as our finds. Oh well. :lol:

Hi all! Four stones deep into faceting and really enjoying it. This is despite paying too much for a machine that's very challenging to say the least. Only cut Quartz and Topaz(2nd from left) so far but want to cut some Tourmaline next. Just hoping someone can help me out with understanding how...

Hi Conan, used the oxalic acid. It was awhile ago and I used it all so I don't have the container, but I think it was the "Diggers" brand from Bunnings. Did the job though.. Good luck with yours mate.

Yeah I would guess agate too.

That's a shame. Look forward to meeting you at Gemorama mate. :pickshovel: Hopefully I've got some insights on the places I visit this trip to pass on. :Y: so anyone else going to Minerama this year?

Yeah really looking forward to getting out and about in the bush again. Nothing quite like being in an area that is totally new to yourself. Kinda feels like your the first explorer even though you know your not. Doing research for my trip I found a post about the Emmaville emerald mine changing...

I've booked in to do the Mount Mitchell trip as I haven't been to that area before. The other days I'll probably just explore on my own. That may be determined by what areas are reopened post bushfire crisis. By the way LW, how's the Gemorama planning and scouting coming along? Any inside info...

Hi all! Just thought I'd jump on and let people know that the field trips are now up for booking. Not sure how long this has been the case . Looks similar to last year's line up with the only addition being a trip to Mount Mitchell and a relic hunt for the metal detectors. Could be wrong on...

You don't actually fossick in the quarry but in the bush behind it. Plenty of previous threads on the area and if I recall one even has a map showing where to park your car. Dig area is between there and the quarry itself. Same as sapphire bend, there are previous threads with maps and such or...

Welcome mate and have fun out there. Caught the bug at Black Springs with two tiny blue stones. Had another go this year but got rained out. Beautiful area so I'll be back one day. BH quarry is definitely worth a visit, found a lovely quartz crystal specimen that has been stained gold at that...

Yeah I felt the post was a cryptic kind of guessing game/ joke. Had been following the thread waiting for enlightenment. I mean "See sapphire No sapphire" ?? Everyone is pretty light hearted on here so don't take anything too seriously. I think if your post had of been "My life's sapphire...