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Thread: PMC + stones & gems

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
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    18

    Default PMC + stones & gems

    Hi All,
    Does anyone know where I can find some hints & tips on what stones can be used with PMC (i.e. that can withstand the heat of 'cooking') and what can't?

    I have some lovely blue opals and some pretty red abalones that I'd like to include in some pieces, but think they will spoil if I make pmc collars for them & then cook the clay, won't they?

    Many thanks,
    Barclaybear

    PS Not sure if it makes a diff, but I'm only using a baby blow torch for my work at present ... don't have gas and am still trying to save my pennies for a kiln.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    1,293

    Default

    Here is a website with info on what stones can fire...The PMC Studio And you will find a lot of sites if you Google 'gems for firing with pmc'.

    Opals and abalone would not survive as opals have fissures which would break open and abalone are shell - I think!

    I think the safest bet will always be the lab grown zirconias that the pmc supply sites sell as these are pretty much guaranteed to survive - even torch firing...but natural stones are a whole lot more iffy - and I think the even and controlled temperature of a kiln is pretty much a must for them!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Sweden
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    51

    Default

    This is my guide: http://www.cooltools.us/v/vspfiles/p...nmetalclay.pdf

    I don't think opals and shell survive. I wouldn't try it. I have tried some borderline stones such as moonstone and most of them survive. Otherwise I have tested natural sapphire (padparadscha, blue, pink) ruby, peridot, garnet, green tourmaline. All of these have worked perfectly for me, even stones with inclusions. I have used only PMC3 with stones so far, so I can't tell you anything about other clays.
    SilverBlueberry.etsy.com

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Sweden
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    Default

    By the way, I torch fire, and without problems for my gemstones.
    SilverBlueberry.etsy.com

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    18

    Default

    Brill .... Excellent help.
    Thanks Guys.
    BB
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  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Coventry, West Midlands
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    21

    Default

    for cheap cubic zirconias, try these, they were featured in one of the bead magazines a few weeks ago

    Loose Cubic Zirconia

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