How to Carve a Bowl out of Purple Jasper

Purple Jasper

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The art of carving gemstones and rocks is known as Lapidary, and it is a challenging and rewarding hobby. If would like to learn how to carve purple jasper, a mentor is the preferable way to learn.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

A piece of purple jasper
Diamond saw
A lapidary drill set
Diamond drums
Carving wheels
Polishing wheels
A teacher or lots of practice

Step1

Obtain a piece of purple jasper slightly larger than you intend your finished bowl to be.

Step2

Cut to size with a diamond bladed saw.

Step3

Create the shape of the bowl using your drill set and diamond drums of the appropriate size; hollow out the bowl as well. You can refine the edges using various carving wheels.

Step4

Polish the bowl with a polishing wheel and seal it.

Tips & Warnings

Jasper is often sealed with petroleum products. Water can ruin that seal, so polish it with a soft, dry cloth.
Jasper differs from agate in that it is more opaque where agate tends to be more translucent, at least in spots.
ALWAYS wear safety goggles when cutting stone. Gloves are advisable as well.
Do not attempt to use lapidary tools without the proper experience or supervision.

Resources

Buy lapidary tools

Comments

Wildscribe said

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on 11/21/2007 Please see my other article: http://www.ehow.com/how_2132215_lapidary-mentor.html

to find a mentor.

on 11/19/2007 Thanks so much!! I am a Native American Elder and this is a ceremonial bowl that I have to make or have made for me by a woman. I appreciate your time and attention to my query. Are you a lapidary? Any ideas on finding a mentor? Maybe at the local college, though no idea what field of study it would come under. In any case, your article is a great place to start. Now I know the tools I'll need. Gratefully, Helen/ LiveandGrow

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