How to Trim Quartz

Handheld gem cutters slice quartz pieces up to 3 inches thick.

Trimming quartz is a way to shape and mold the semiprecious stone. A common rock found throughout the United States, quartz is used for jewels, surface tops and other products and is comprised of a plethora of minerals including amethyst and citrine. The trick to effectively trimming quartz begins with a mechanical gem cutter. Using a variety of different saws, the gem cutter can slice and dice the stone anyway you wish.

Things You'll Need

• Work gloves
• Dust mask
• Safety glasses
• Handheld gem cutter
• Trim saw blade
• Faceter's trim saw blade
• Water

Instructions

1. Slide on work gloves, a dust mask and safety glasses to protect skin, lungs and eyes.

2. Attach a trim saw blade or faceter's saw blade to the gem saw cutter. Trim saw blades are a maximum of 10 inches long and faceter's saw blades are up to 4 inches long. Use either blade to finely slice polished or unpolished stone.

3. Pour water into the gem cutter chamber to the prefabricated fill line. Close and latch the chamber lid. Water is used to cool the blade while trimming. Turn on any additional temperature control or cooling instruments on your cutter.

4. Secure the quartz rock in the gem cutter with the prefabricated prong or clamp. Adjust the stone or blade as necessary to ensure a proper angle for your trim.

5. Move the saw slowly through the surface of the stone. Cut in one full motion from start to finish. Avoid starting and stopping the saw before the gem is fully cut. Shut down the power to the gem cutter.

6. Remove the trimmed stone from the prong or clamp. Clean the stone free of quartz particles or dust with fresh water.

References

• Controverscial; Quartz; Patricia Jean Martin
• Farlang: Handbook Precious Stones -- Gem Cutting
• Tradeshop: How Are Gems Cut and Polished?

Resources

• Gem Stone Artist: The Gem Cutting Process