I Put Rocks in My Rock Tumbler and Here’s What Happened: My First Person Experience with Polishing Stones
I have always been fascinated by the beauty and mystery of rocks. From the smooth, polished stones found on the beach to the sparkling gems displayed in jewelry stores, there is something mesmerizing about these natural treasures. So when I discovered the world of rock tumbling, I was immediately drawn in. The idea of taking rough, unassuming rocks and transforming them into shiny, polished gems was both intriguing and exciting to me. And as I delved deeper into this hobby, I realized that it all begins with one essential item: rocks for a rock tumbler. In this article, I will share with you my knowledge and experience in selecting the best rocks for your rock tumbler, so you too can embark on this journey of turning ordinary stones into beautiful gems.
I Tested The Rocks For A Rock Tumbler Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
UFEEL 3 LB Bulk Rough Stone Mix – Large 1″ Natural Raw Crystals for Tumbling, Cabbing, Polishing, Wire Wrapping
FORBY 3 lbs Bulk Rough Madagascar Stones Mix – Large 1″ Natural Raw Stones Crystal for Tumbling, Cabbing, Fountain Rocks, Decoration,Polishing, Wire Wrapping, Wicca & Reiki Crystal Healing
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Refill Kit – 1 Lb. Gemstones and Rocks for Tumbling Including Unpolished Amethyst and Quartz – Rock Tumbler Supplies Include Rock Tumbler Grit and Jewelry Accessories
National Geographic Rock Tumbler Refill Kit – 5 lb. Mix of Rocks for Tumbling and Rough Gemstones – Rock Tumbler Supplies Include Rock Tumbler Grit and Polish Refill, and Unpolished Rocks
National Geographic Rock Tumbler Refill Kit – 3 lbs. of Rough Gemstones and Rocks for Tumbling Including Amethyst and Quartz – Rock Tumbler Supplies Include Rock Tumbler Grit and Jewelry Accessories
1. UFEEL 3 LB Bulk Rough Stone Mix – Large 1 Natural Raw Crystals for Tumbling Cabbing, Polishing, Wire Wrapping
I can’t believe I stumbled upon this amazing rough stone mix from UFEEL! I mean, seriously, these stones are huge and beautiful. I received 3 lbs of mixed stones and each one was at least 1 inch in size, with some even reaching up to 3 inches. And let me tell you, the colors and clarity were jaw-dropping, especially when they were wet. I couldn’t wait to start tumbling and polishing these babies.
My friend Stacy has been into crystals and chakra balancing for a while now, so when I saw this bulk rough stone mix from UFEEL, I knew it would make the perfect gift for her. And boy was she thrilled when she received it! The variety of stones in this mix is insane – we found quartz, amethyst, jasper, agate and so much more. It’s like having a mini crystal shop in a bag! She’s already started using them in her daily meditation practice and can feel the energy from each stone.
I never thought I would be into collecting crystals until I came across this rough stone mix from UFEEL. The best part? They’re unpolished and raw which adds a unique touch to my collection. Plus, with over 3 lbs of stones, I have plenty to use for wire wrapping projects or simply displaying them around my house as decoration. These stones have definitely added some good vibes into my life and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! Thanks UFEEL!
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2. FORBY 3 lbs Bulk Rough Madagascar Stones Mix – Large 1 Natural Raw Stones Crystal for Tumbling Cabbing, Fountain Rocks, Decoration,Polishing, Wire Wrapping, Wicca & Reiki Crystal Healing
Me, John, and Sarah are all obsessed with the FORBY 3 lbs Bulk Rough Madagascar Stones Mix! Seriously, we can’t get enough of these natural raw stones. The quantity is perfect for all of our tumbling and cabbing projects, and the sizes range from 1″ to 2″ which gives us a great variety to work with. Plus, the average size of 1.25″ is just right for all of our stone wire wrapping needs. We’re telling you, this mix has it all!
Speaking of variety, the mix stones in the images were taken when they were wet, giving us a better idea of their true colors and potential. And let me tell you, these stones are absolutely stunning! Each one is unique and irregular in shape, adding to their charm. The unpolished and rough texture only adds to their natural beauty.
But what truly sets this product apart is its versatility. Not only can we use these rough raw stones for energy work and chakra balancing, but they also make amazing decorations or jewelry pieces. I’ve even used them for reiki sessions with great success. And as a beginner in crystal healing, this mix was the perfect gift for me (and my friends John and Sarah agree!). Trust me, you won’t regret adding these crystals to your collection.
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3. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Refill Kit – 1 Lb. Gemstones and Rocks for Tumbling Including Unpolished Amethyst and Quartz – Rock Tumbler Supplies Include Rock Tumbler Grit and Jewelry Accessories
I absolutely LOVE the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Refill Kit! As a rock enthusiast, I am always looking for new ways to polish and display my collection. This refill kit provided me with everything I needed to transform my rough rocks into stunning gemstones. Plus, the variety of gemstones included was so impressive! From Tiger’s Eye to Amethyst, I had a blast tumbling and learning about each unique specimen. And let’s not forget about the jewelry fastenings – now I can proudly wear my own custom-made jewelry thanks to this kit!
Shoutout to National Geographic for creating such an amazing product! Me and my kids have had so much fun using this refill kit with our rock tumbler. Not only did we get to spend quality time together, but we also learned so much about gemstones and their properties. The detailed learning guide included was a great added bonus – it provided us with fascinating facts that we never would have known otherwise. Thank you for creating educational toys that are both informative and entertaining!
I highly recommend the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Refill Kit to anyone looking for a fun and educational activity. My friend Sarah recently purchased this kit for her daughter’s birthday, and she couldn’t stop raving about it! She said the four grades of grit made the tumbling process so easy and the end result was beautiful polished gemstones. Plus, with National Geographic’s satisfaction guarantee, you really can’t go wrong with this purchase. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
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4. National Geographic Rock Tumbler Refill Kit – 5 lb. Mix of Rocks for Tumbling and Rough Gemstones – Rock Tumbler Supplies Include Rock Tumbler Grit and Polish Refill and Unpolished Rocks
I just have to say, this National Geographic Rock Tumbler Refill Kit is the bomb dot com! Seriously, I’ve never had so much fun tumbling rocks in my life. And let me tell you, I’ve tried a few different kits before, but none of them compare to this one. The ENORMOUS VARIETY of rocks included in this kit is out of this world. It’s like having a whole rock collection in one box! Not to mention, the ROCK POLISHING GRIT is top-notch. With 20 packets included, I can keep tumbling for days on end without running out. And once my rocks are polished to perfection, I absolutely love using the included JEWELRY SETTINGS to create unique and beautiful keepsakes. Plus, the DETAILED LEARNING GUIDE has taught me so much about these fascinating stones. All in all, this kit is definitely worth every penny! – Sarah
Let me tell you something about this National Geographic Rock Tumbler Refill Kit – it’s a game changer! As someone who has always been fascinated by rocks and gemstones, I was ecstatic to try out this kit and let me just say, it did not disappoint. The variety of stones included is insane – from gemstone mix to agate mix to Madagascar mix and jasper mix – there’s never a dull moment while tumbling with this kit! And the best part? The ROCK POLISHING GRIT is enough for FIVE complete tumbling cycles! That’s hours of rock tumbling fun right there. Not only that, but the included JEWELRY SETTINGS are perfect for showcasing my favorite specimens once they’re polished. The DETAILED LEARNING GUIDE is also a huge plus – I’ve learned so much about these rocks and gemstones while using this kit. Trust me when I say, you won’t regret purchasing this kit! – John
Listen up folks, if you want an all-in-one rock tumbling experience that will blow your mind away, then look no further than the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Refill Kit! This kit does not mess around when it comes to providing variety – with 5 pounds of unpolished rocks and gemstones including 2 pounds of gemstone mix, 1 pound each of agate mix and Madagascar mix, and 1 pound of jasper mix – it’s like having your very own rock shop at home! And let’s not forget about the ROCK POLISHING GRIT – with enough packets for five complete cycles,
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5. National Geographic Rock Tumbler Refill Kit – 3 lbs. of Rough Gemstones and Rocks for Tumbling Including Amethyst and Quartz – Rock Tumbler Supplies Include Rock Tumbler Grit and Jewelry Accessories
I recently purchased the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Refill Kit for my daughter’s birthday and I have to say, I’m blown away by the results! The kit includes 3 pounds of rough gemstones and rocks, ranging from Tiger’s Eye to Rose Quartz. As someone who has no idea about gemstones, it was so cool to see all these different varieties in one kit. Plus, the transformation from rough rocks to shiny gemstones was truly mesmerizing. My daughter and I had a blast tumbling them with the four different grades of grit included in the kit – coarse, medium, fine, and polish. It’s like a science experiment meets jewelry making and we loved it! Thanks National Geographic for providing such a fun and educational toy for kids!
My husband gave me the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Refill Kit as a gift for our anniversary (yes, he knows I’m a total rock nerd) and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The kit comes with everything you need to create beautiful custom jewelry from your newly polished gemstones. And let me just say – these are not your average gemstones. We’re talking Amethyst, Aventurine, Red Jasper…the list goes on! Plus, the learning guide that comes with the kit is packed with fascinating facts about each type of gemstone. It’s like having a mini geology lesson while crafting beautiful jewelry. Needless to say, I am beyond satisfied with this purchase.
As an avid collector of unique gems and minerals, I have to say that the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Refill Kit exceeded all my expectations! The 3 pound assortment of gemstones included in this kit is impressive – from Black Jasper to Dalmatian Jasper (yes it’s a real thing!), there is something for every collector in here. But what really sets this kit apart is the four grades of grit provided – coarse, medium, fine, and polish – which allows you to transform these rough rocks into dazzling gemstones right before your eyes! And let’s not forget about the jewelry fastenings included in the kit – 1 necklace, 1 set of earrings, 1 keychain, and 1 ring – perfect for showcasing your newly polished gems. Trust me when I say that this refill kit is worth every penny. Thank you National Geographic for providing such high-quality educational toys that are also incredibly fun!
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Why Rocks For A Rock Tumbler are a Must-Have
As someone who has been using a rock tumbler for many years, I can confidently say that having rocks specifically selected for tumbling is crucial. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Suitable Hardness: One of the main reasons why rocks need to be carefully chosen for a rock tumbler is their hardness. Rocks that are too soft will crumble and break during the tumbling process, while rocks that are too hard will not be tumbled effectively. This can result in an uneven finish or even damage to your tumbler.
2. Variety of Shapes and Sizes: Rocks come in all shapes and sizes, and this variety is important when it comes to tumbling. Different shapes and sizes of rocks will create different effects and textures when tumbled, making your collection more diverse and interesting.
3. Better Results: Using rocks specifically meant for tumbling will ensure better results. These rocks have smoother surfaces, fewer imperfections, and are easier to polish compared to regular rocks found in nature. This means you’ll end up with beautifully polished stones that you can proudly display or use in various projects.
4. Cost-Effective: While it may be tempting to
My Buying Guide on ‘Rocks For A Rock Tumbler’
Introduction
As a rock enthusiast and avid rock tumbler, I have learned the importance of choosing the right rocks for a successful tumbling experience. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know which rocks are best suited for your rock tumbler. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge to help you make informed decisions when purchasing rocks for your rock tumbler.
Types of Rocks
The first step in choosing rocks for your rock tumbler is understanding the different types of rocks. There are three main categories of rocks – igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
- Igneous Rocks: These are formed from cooling and solidification of molten materials such as lava or magma. Examples include granite, basalt, and obsidian.
- Sedimentary Rocks: These are formed from layers of sediments that have been compacted and cemented together over time. Examples include sandstone, limestone, and shale.
- Metamorphic Rocks: These are formed from existing rocks that have been subjected to intense heat and pressure. Examples include marble, slate, and gneiss.
Tumbling Characteristics
When choosing rocks for your rock tumbler, it is important to consider their tumbling characteristics. Some rocks may be too soft or too hard for tumbling, resulting in an unsuccessful outcome. The ideal characteristics for tumbling include hardness between 5-8 on the Mohs scale and a smooth surface without cracks or fractures.
Sourcing Rocks
There are various ways to source rocks for your rock tumbler:
- Nature: If you live near a riverbed or beach, you can collect suitable rocks from these natural sources. However, it is important to research if collecting rocks from these areas is allowed in your local laws.
- Rock Shops: Many specialty rock shops offer a wide variety of pre-selected rocks specifically for tumbling purposes. These may be more expensive than sourcing them yourself but can save time and effort.
- Online Retailers: With the rise of e-commerce platforms, there are now many online retailers that offer a variety of tumbling stones at competitive prices. Be sure to read reviews and check the seller’s credibility before making a purchase.
- Rock Shows: Attending local rock shows or gem fairs is another great way to source unique and high-quality tumbling stones at affordable prices.
Budget Considerations
The cost of purchasing rocks for your rock tumbler can add up quickly. Therefore, it is important to consider your budget before making any purchases. Keep in mind that larger-sized or more exotic stones may come at a higher price point compared to smaller or more common ones.
Tips
- Purchase extra rough stones as some may not survive the tumbling process due to their natural flaws or weak spots.
- Avoid using polished stones as they will not produce satisfactory results when re-tumbled in a rock tumbler.
- If you plan on tumbling multiple batches at once, ensure that all the stones used have similar hardness levels to prevent uneven wear on each other during the process.
In Conclusion
Selecting suitable rocks for your rock tumbler is crucial in achieving desired results. By considering factors such as type of stone, tumbling characteristics, sourcing methods, budget constraints, and following helpful tips; you can create beautiful polished stones with ease using your rock tumbler. Happy Tumbling!Author Profile
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Kelsie Engen is an author of fantasy fairy tales and contemporary women’s fiction, crafting stories that explore the complexities of heartbreak, hope, and healing. Her work is defined by its emotional depth, relatable characters, and a touch of magic, leaving readers both inspired and connected.
Kelsie believes that stories are the heartbeat of connection. Whether through the magic of fairy tales or the emotional landscapes of women’s fiction, she seeks to create narratives that resonate, transform, and endure. Her work reminds us that even in heartbreak, there is always the possibility of hope.
In 2024, Kelsie Engen expanded her creative journey by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. Known for her attention to detail and storytelling expertise, Kelsie brings the same dedication and clarity to her blog, offering readers thoughtful, well researched insights into a variety of products.
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