encasing minerals

[Kaleidoglass]

I read somewhere that the mineral Kyanite can be encased with boro. Are there any other mineral that can be encased. Is there a ratio that has to be kept in mind while encasing a mineral (example: 5% Kyanite 95% Glass)

[Karen Hardy]

I know that you can encase opals, and molvite (sp) too.

[theglasszone]

Hey Karen and Nancy:

I think you were speaking of "Moldavite" - here's the Wikipedia "opener" on this fascinating, and "out of this world" (literally!) mineral:

"Moldavite is an olive-green or dull greenish vitreous substance formed by a meteorite impact. It is one kind of tektite."

Here's a picture of what it looks like in the rough:



DeAnne in CA

[volkanokaren]

Very interesting.

Karen
Volkano Exotik

[glasshouse]

Originally Posted by Karen Hardy

I know that you can encase opals, and molvite (sp) too.

I don't think hot glass works with natural opals, but I know that Gilson opals which are man-made can be encased with boro. Natural opals are difficult to work with even in jewelry because of the temperatures used for soldering silver and gold. I think they would shatter. I have some rough opal scrap but I don't wanna test it to find out. Can Gilson opals be encased in soft glass or are they only compatible with boro?

Kelly

[Kaleidoglass]

Thanks for your input everyone. I work at a rock and mineral place (Gilman's at Lost River Caverns) and going to start experimenting. I have a good start with the Kyanite, Moldavite, and Gibson Opals. I'll keep you all posted as to what works and doesn't work. I have some really cool ideas if it works.

[RSimmons]

Gilson Opal is synthetic and is compatible with boro, not with soft glass. Natural opal is a hydrated silicate and is not compatible with any sort of glass encasement.

Robert

[Karen Hardy]

That's how you spell it (Moldavite)! Heh...hay, at least I knew
what it was - even though I can't spell for sh%$#t.
I get 1/2 a point! .

Originally Posted by theglasszone

Hey Karen and Nancy:

I think you were speaking of "Moldavite" - here's the Wikipedia "opener" on this fascinating, and "out of this world" (literally!) mineral:

"Moldavite is an olive-green or dull greenish vitreous substance formed by a meteorite impact. It is one kind of tektite."

Here's a picture of what it looks like in the rough:



DeAnne in CA

[scoutycat]

Be careful if you experiment, many minerals will shatter explosively if heated too much due to inclusions, stress fractures and tiny bits of water trapped in the stone.

[theglasszone]

Originally Posted by Karen Hardy

That's how you spell it (Moldavite)! Heh...hay, at least I knew
what it was - even though I can't spell for sh%$#t.
I get 1/2 a point! .

You're too funny, Karen! You get more than 1/2 point (hows 3/4 point sound?) Giggle!!!!

Honestly, after cheating and copying my way through High School, and graduating not knowing for sure whether the word "egg" had two "g's" or two "e's", I started from square one, and retaught myself to spell. I was lucky enough to be offered an internship in a law office (which eventually turned into my 13 yr. legal career) - courtesy of my High School Business teacher, who somehow saw through the despondent and depressed teen I was, and had faith. I knew if I didn't get it "going on" in the spelling department, I was going to loose one of the great opportunities of my life! Now, it's just turned into something of a "savant" circumstance - considering I'm left handed in a right-handed world (aka "Born in the State of Confusion!"), and please don't ask me what 2+2 equals!

DeAnne in CA

[Firebrand Beads]

Originally Posted by RSimmons

Gilson Opal is synthetic and is compatible with boro, not with soft glass. Natural opal is a hydrated silicate and is not compatible with any sort of glass encasement.

Robert

I have seen natural opal crack in direct sunlight! It can be *very* sensitive to temperature, due to the inclusions that make the opalescence.