
From Rough Stones to Wow
Turn Your Rocks & Minerals into Beautiful Gems
Jim Magnuson(Author)
Adventure Publications, Incorporated (Publisher)
2nd Edition
Will be published approx. on 26. June 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-1-64755-458-3 (ISBN)
Description
Take rock collecting to the next level: create gemstones that glisten and shine with beginner instructions that yield professional results.
Beautifully cut, polished, and shaped gemstones are marvelous treasures. They can be very expensive to purchase, but have you ever wondered how to create your own? You might be surprised at how quickly you can learn to do it-and how affordable it is, especially when compared with many other popular hobbies. From Rough Stones to Wow is your one-stop shop for beginning your lapidary journey and being successful.
Written by Jim Magnuson, this accessible how-to guide keeps things simple while covering a variety of the most popular lapidary arts. The step-by-step instructions-supplemented by easy-to-follow, full-color photographs-can help you produce high-quality gemstone products that you'll be proud to display, wear, or even sell. Learn about the tools and equipment needed, as well as types of rocks and minerals you might want to utilize. Then, with Jim's focused instruction, you can discover the rewarding experience of taking rough stones and making your own creations. There's even a brief introduction to jewelry making, with six simple jewelry projects.
You'll appreciate these features:
Easy-to-follow directions complemented by action-oriented photos
Recommendations on lapidary machines
Tips, charts, and checklists to jump-start your learning
Techniques and tools that take you from start to finish
Beautifully cut, polished, and shaped gemstones are marvelous treasures. They can be very expensive to purchase, but have you ever wondered how to create your own? You might be surprised at how quickly you can learn to do it-and how affordable it is, especially when compared with many other popular hobbies. From Rough Stones to Wow is your one-stop shop for beginning your lapidary journey and being successful.
Written by Jim Magnuson, this accessible how-to guide keeps things simple while covering a variety of the most popular lapidary arts. The step-by-step instructions-supplemented by easy-to-follow, full-color photographs-can help you produce high-quality gemstone products that you'll be proud to display, wear, or even sell. Learn about the tools and equipment needed, as well as types of rocks and minerals you might want to utilize. Then, with Jim's focused instruction, you can discover the rewarding experience of taking rough stones and making your own creations. There's even a brief introduction to jewelry making, with six simple jewelry projects.
You'll appreciate these features:
Easy-to-follow directions complemented by action-oriented photos
Recommendations on lapidary machines
Tips, charts, and checklists to jump-start your learning
Techniques and tools that take you from start to finish
More details
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United States
Edition type
Revised edition
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Color photos throughout
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 141 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
310 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-64755-458-3 (9781647554583)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
05/2025
2nd Edition
Adventure Publications
€20.49
Available for download
Previous edition

Jim Magnuson | Val Carver | Carol Wood
Gemstone Tumbling, Cutting, Drilling & Cabochon Making
A Simple Guide to Finishing Rough Stones
Book
07/2015
Adventure Publications, Incorporated
€18.00
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Jim Magnuson has been an avid hunter of various gems, minerals, and fossils since childhood. Because of his in-depth knowledge, he is frequently called upon to present to groups such as rock and mineral clubs, geological societies, and educational institutions that focus on outdoor and environmental interests. He likes to perform various lapidary arts with the stones that he finds, and he has a small business making and selling custom-polished stones and jewelry pieces.
Content
Introduction
1. Getting Started
2. Choosing Gemstones
3. Tumble Polishing
4. Cutting
5. Cabochon Making and Face-Polishing
6. Drilling
7. Rotary Hand Tool Applications
8. Jewelry Making
Glossary
Appendix: Lapidary Resources
Index
About the Author
1. Getting Started
2. Choosing Gemstones
3. Tumble Polishing
4. Cutting
5. Cabochon Making and Face-Polishing
6. Drilling
7. Rotary Hand Tool Applications
8. Jewelry Making
Glossary
Appendix: Lapidary Resources
Index
About the Author