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RE: Quartz/tourmaline powders

Posted by unclestu52 on March 27, 2008 at 19:05:06:
Tourmaline will vary in color from red to black, depending on the level and kind of impurities in the crystal structure. I don't know what a 'pure' tourmaline color should be, but I would guess it ought to be easily researched on the net.

Pure quartz would naturally be clear, water clear preferably if no impurities are present. You could do what I have done in the past: purchase a small cluster and pound the hell out of it with a hammer, wrapping the crystal in some flexible material like a strong cloth. Once broken into small sizes it is then more easily crushed using something like a large ball bearing in a porcelain crucible, or you could take a large head hammer ( a two and half pound mini sledge works nicely) and simply grind the head against the quartz against a piece of clean steel.

You might also check sandblast suppliers as I believe they may have quartz blasting material already graded. They won't guarantee any kind of purity however.

Stu