I start with a walk on the beach!

If you are out on the beach in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is lower on the horizon, squat down and look out across the beach towards the sun.  And if there are any, you will see the microcrystalline quartz, glowing at the edges, illuminated by sun's rays.

Microcrystalline quartz or chalcendony comes in many forms; agate, jasper, carnelian, ...and ever more mysterious varieties. At 6-7 on the Moh Hardness Scale they need to be carved with diamond wheels, burrs, and blades. They take a high polish and don't scratch which makes them ideal for jewelry. 

STUDIO

Working with chalcendony puts me back into the noise and flying-chips business. So, I am actively searching for a small 10 X 15ft. studio for September. There are some new units available in the Lavaltrie industrial sector; where I can make some noise.