Can Copal be tumbled?

Question

I have quite a few silver-capped Copal beads (and some brass capped ones, also) that I would like to tumble in walnut hulls that are about the size of a grain of sand.

Is it safe to tumble Copal? I also usually add a tiny bit of brass/siver polish - it's my husband's reloading tumbler & polish. It's done a marvelous job on my other silver with no damage to the finish, i.e. dents, nicks, etc. I just don't want the Copal to crack, etc.

Anyone done this before? Should I polish by hand? Will a silver polish wreck the polish of the Copal? TIA!

Steve & Susan Wright · Accepted Answer

I have never tumbled copal but I have tumbled some amber chips on small bead rings with no damage. I tumbled Mexican opal which is very soft the other day. I used steel shot which is harder on stones as far as finish. I have tumbled malachite and did not like the finish when finished. I have not used the walnut shells but I would check with a rock shop or club where rock finishing is their expertise or check with the supplier of the walnut shell.

Susan W

C Ryman · Answer

I have no idea.  But you might ask over at Good Luck

bluemaxx · Answer

Thank you for your input, ladies.  :)   I'm going to post over inthe jewelry group and see if I can get a definite yes or no... thesebeads are too precious to ruin even one.   Thanks again!

Can Copal be tumbled?

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