How to Choose Raw Material for Lapidary: A Beginner’s Guide to Rock Selection
Every lapidary project begins with the rock you choose. From agate and jasper to jade and turquoise, understanding hardness, toughness, and texture is the key to selecting stones that cut cleanly and polish beautifully. This beginner’s guide explains how to evaluate rough, spot fractures and problem areas, and match minerals with the right lapidary projects—whether you’re shaping spheres, cutting cabochons, or carving.