Bert2368
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- Nov 29, 2018
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I have been spending some time on learning about the makeup of natural stones and abrasives, which led to brushing up on what little mineralogy and geology I remember. I found the naturals frequently contain some form of Silicon dioxide, others may have silicates such as garnet.
I became interested in finding underexploited/little known/no longer commercially worked mineral resources which might have sharpening performance similar to better known (and usually too expensive for ME to afford!) natural stones- Hence my recent thread on getting a traditional type of Mexican natural stone for testing.
I am finding few references to traditional sources of garnet containing stones other than the yellow and blue Belgian cotticules- Can any point me towards other minerals or deposits of similar makeup which have been used as sharpening stones?
Additionally, does ANYONE make garnet based artificial "water stones", using synthetic garnet crystals in a ceramic, chalk or resin matrix similar to the many Silicon dioxide based water stones? I have not yet found any such.
Synthetic garnet is common for sand blasting grit, sand papers, abrasive boards and cloths. A quick look online shows a lot of sources in many mesh sizes from tens of microns on up to gravel size. The material is available and a couple of natural sharpening stones containing garnet had a good reputation.
Is the apparent tendency to use SiO2 in artificial water stones rather than garnets due to economics or performance? Have I overlooked some other reasons?
I became interested in finding underexploited/little known/no longer commercially worked mineral resources which might have sharpening performance similar to better known (and usually too expensive for ME to afford!) natural stones- Hence my recent thread on getting a traditional type of Mexican natural stone for testing.
I am finding few references to traditional sources of garnet containing stones other than the yellow and blue Belgian cotticules- Can any point me towards other minerals or deposits of similar makeup which have been used as sharpening stones?
Additionally, does ANYONE make garnet based artificial "water stones", using synthetic garnet crystals in a ceramic, chalk or resin matrix similar to the many Silicon dioxide based water stones? I have not yet found any such.
Synthetic garnet is common for sand blasting grit, sand papers, abrasive boards and cloths. A quick look online shows a lot of sources in many mesh sizes from tens of microns on up to gravel size. The material is available and a couple of natural sharpening stones containing garnet had a good reputation.
Is the apparent tendency to use SiO2 in artificial water stones rather than garnets due to economics or performance? Have I overlooked some other reasons?