Cabbing Rough

First off, what is a cabbing rough? A mineral is a naturally occurring substance that is formed through geological processes (sedimentary, heat, pressure, etc.). It has a characteristic chemical composition, a highly ordered atomic structure and specific physical properties. A rock is generally a combination of minerals and need not have a specific chemical composition. Therefore, rocks can be one mineral if they are massive, but are more commonly several minerals. They can also be organic (amber, fossils…), or like obsidian; a natural glass, that varies in chemical composition. Even a meteorite is considered a rock! Cabbing rough is rock suitable for cutting into cabochons for jewelry.

A "cabochon" is described as a gemstone that is not faceted, but is cut into a convex and usually highly polished shape. The shape may be symmetrical, calibrated or freeform. Cabochons are also referred to as "cabs". A "cabber" is a person who cuts cabochons. Though many serious cabbers start with rough rock (chunks of rock in its natural state), many cabbers prefer to start with a slabbed cabbing rock. A slabbed rock is rough rock that has been sliced in a saw, usually into slabs that are about 1/4 inch in thickness. Cabbers like these because: one they don't have to own huge saws to handle the large chunks of rough rock; and they can actually see what they are getting in their cabbing rough. Often times there is no way to know what a rock will look like until it is slabbed or cut up.

Cabbers then cut the slab of cabbing rough into cubes. Sometimes they will cut the heart out of the slab to get the best pattern or one really fantastic cab. If they are more commercial cutters, they will try to get as many cabs as they can from the slabbed cabbing rough. They often use templates to draw shapes onto the slab, to use as a guideline of what they are cutting. Most cabbing rough is sold wet, as that closely resembles what the rock will look like when it is polished. Some cabbing rough will take a high gloss finish, others may only have a smooth look to them.

Click here to see the large selection of cabbing rough and stone slabs that we have here at OakRocks! We at OakRocks carry a large variety of rough rock from around the world. Most of what you see in our store we have available in quantity, with a minimum order of 50 pounds.

If you are just starting out learning how to cut rough rock, start with the easiest and cheapest materials. It is best to start with slabs as much of the work is done for you. Agates and Jaspers are plentiful and come in a diverse variety of colors and patterns. Though considered "hard" stones-they don't cut too quickly and a beginner can take their time to finish it and avoid mistakes. Some materials are difficult to cut and/or polish and should be left to the more experienced cutters.