How to cut a Fossil?

[theresa]

Hi everyone
I have been asked to make a piece of jewellery incorporating a lump of fossil Ammonite picked up from a Peruvian mountain top!
Originally we thought it could be cut up into segments but I have abandoned that idea because of the difficulty involved. (I am no Lapidarist)
I have tried to cut it in half without success - I tried a separating disc which soon wore down. I tried cutting it with a fine blade but could see it would take hours. Quite frankly the piece is just a lump and of no artistic merit, but the client is convinced his wife would like it (I'm not so sure).
Is there anyone out there who could cut it in half for me? It's around 2"

Thank you

[enigma]

May be a stupid question but have you tried a diamond blade?

[mizgeorge]

Might be worth giving Stu (lilacmonkey) a shout - I'd have said this was right up his street

[CJ57]

Axeman Gary from Durham joined a few days ago and his speciality is lapidary so he might be able to help too

[Dennis]

The problem with alerting members is that there is no way of contacting them if they don't look in.

AE Ward have a workshop and are not generally expensive, so might be willing to cut a slice, or whatever. Tel: 020 7253 4036.

If all else fails and you can see a cleavage line, then with the owner's permission, I would apply a knife and whack it. My album shows jewellery made from random glass pieces, so something of that sort would do it. Dennis.

[BarryM]

A powered diamond saw lubricated and cooled with water is your best chance. Failing that a hand saw with a diamond coated blade and not a little patience.
I would NOT try splitting it with a hammer / chisel.


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[theresa]

Thanks everyone - will try and find the answer! I've already spent a few hours on this project and quite frankly ready to give up.

[Ada]

You might try contacting Paddy Howe in the Fossil Workshop in Lyme Regis:

http://www.fossilworkshop.com/index.html

He may be able to suggest something.

[rhinofingerskins]

A powered diamond saw lubricated and cooled with water is your best chance. Failing that a hand saw with a diamond coated blade and not a little patience.
I would NOT try splitting it with a hammer / chisel.


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Perhaps you have access to a Tile saw? I've cut ceramic glass, stones, which is what your fossil is now and of course Tile with my expensive tile saw with a GOOD USA brand name blade. Stay away from the cheap blades from overseas.