The Ammonite ( Cleoniceras Cleon ) This is how I make cabochons from them. I first cut them so I have two half circles, then cut them in half. I now have what looks like four quarter pieces of pie. I then stand them up and spit them right in half. You will now see what the inside looks like, some are very hollow, I trash them. I take a good look at the surface, as shown in the picture of the whole Ammonite, not all of it is worth keeping. I then look at the surface of the Ammonite so I have an idea of the size and shape I want for my Cabochon. Each piece of the Ammonite is very thick ( Do Not Grind on the Surface ) You will then need to pic your desired piece, shape it so you have your rough preform, that is very thick!!! I then put on a 80 grit wheel, I have used 100 grit and start to grind from the bottom to the surface. Again do not grind on the surface!!!!!!!! If all is well, you now have a preform that is about 7mm thick and still a bit rough, try to make the back as flat as possible, for setting purposes. I the go to a 400 or 600 grit and work the sides and back to get them smooth and even. If I am happy with the way it looks I go to 1200 grit, I like SC Belts. I work the sides, bottom and NOW its time to work the top or surface, I use very little pressure when grinding on the surface, too much pressure and the will grind away the Sutures ( Leafy pattern ). Once it is even, top bottom and sides I go to the next grit all the way to 50,000. I have never used dop sticks or template to cut these or any other stone. The second picture is a side view, I try to end up with a finished product like any other stone, but not all end up like this. I hope I have made myself clear and please stay away from the surface. One Ammonite can yield you 1 to 6 Cabochons depending on the size and surface pattern. I hope I have explained this well enough. If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask.
Posted on: Mon, 05 May 2014 17:37:41 +0000
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