Rough Rock

First off, what is a rock? 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!

Rough Rock refers to rock still in its natural state.

Lapidary is the term for the art of cutting or cabbing rough rock, and for the artist who does it.

Some people actually like to leave unpolished rock in its natural or raw state to enjoy its true beauty. Rough rock can be polished, tumbled, carved, sculpted, faceted or cabbed. Sometimes rough stone is finished in a freeform polished decorator piece. It is carved into animals, bowls, spheres, etc. Faceted and cabbed pieces are usually put into finished jewelry.

Most unpolished rough rock is sold wet, as that closely resembles what the rock will look like when it is polished. Some rough stones will take a high gloss finish, others may only have a smooth look to them.

Click here to see the large selection of both rough rock chunks and slabs for cutting and cabbing that we have for sale here at OakRocks!
If you are interested in large quantities of any of the rough rock we have available please contact us!

Rough rock is found everywhere. Some rough rock is plentiful, others are extremely rare. Rough agates and rough jasper can be found on every continent, but some materials come from only one place in the world. The words rock and stone are generally interchangeable. “Gem” and “gemstone” are not scientific terms. They are really trade names referring to especially beautiful stones or minerals, or jewelry or collector grade, or rare materials. The old way of classifying rocks as precious or semi-precious is really not accurate, because some rocks are far more rare and valuable then the precious stones the general public knows!

If you are just starting out learning how to cut rough rock, start with the easiest and cheapest materials. Agate rough and Jasper rough 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 rough rock materials are difficult to cut and/or polish and should be left to the more experienced cutters.