![]() Rock dust from lapidary work turns out to be more than just a nuisance it can be deadly.Ī single heavy dose can cause crippling lifelong problems. It was time to do a little research, so I hit the books and started talking to fellow rockhounds. As the situation worsened, I tried several dust masks, but there was little improvement. Of course, I had always worn safety glasses with side protection, as recommended in every manual, but a mask seemed a cumbersome hindrance. All those lovely rocks I had lusted after for so long were finally put under my polishing wheel: lapis, agate, jasper, tiger’s-eye, malachite, turquoise, chrysocolla and quartz.īut I soon began to experience a nasty and completely unexpected cavalcade of health problems: coughing, hoarseness, difficulty clearing my throat, breathlessness, and a dull ache in the pit of my lungs. Wow, did I have fun! For that first few months of cutting and grinding, I was in seventh heaven. So after 30 years of procrastination, I finally decided to go for it, and purchased a brand-new rock saw and grinder/polisher. And there is little danger of personal injury from runaway saws, faceting machines, or polishers, as the cutting edges are relatively dull and forgiving. The hobby itself is rewarding and exhilarating. Working material is easy to find, as rocks are about the most abundant material on the planet. ![]() Today’s equipment is simple, relatively cheap, and very high tech. When I first became interested in lapidary work, it seemed the perfect hobby. The joys of rock polishing without a respirator will frequently lead to serious lung problems later on.
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