Rock Tumbler: Science and Fun

A rock tumbler can be a great tool for almost anyone. Kids love using rock tumblers as a way of learning about the natural processes of geology, while adults use them to create beautiful polished stones for jewelry or decorative purposes. A rock tumbler is a great investment for anyone who is looking for a new and interesting hobby.

The science behind the rock tumbler
A full cycle in a traditional rotary rock tumbler, starting with rough rock and ending with smooth polished stones, takes anywhere from four to five weeks. To begin, the rocks are placed inside the rock tumbler along with a measured amount of lubricating water. Grit of a specific coarseness is also added- the rougher the stones, the coarser the grit should be at the beginning of the process. The rock tumbler then moves in a rotating fashion, causing the rocks to fall against each other and to mix up with the grit. The grit should be changed out gradually to a finer mesh until the rocks are fully polished.

The amount of time it takes to tumble rocks, and the specific cycles for each type of grit, depend largely on the kind of rocks you're polishing. Harder rock material will take longer to reach a smooth result.

The many uses of the rock tumbler
Tumbled rocks are very popular arts and crafts items, and can be used as decorative stones almost anywhere. Some people use them around the home as decoration in glass jars or planters. They can also be set into costume jewelry, or even used to line the bottom of a fishbowl.

There are more practical uses for a rock tumbler, too. Pieces of glass that are being used to create a mosaic can be tumbled in order to remove their rough cut edges before they are put together. A machine very similar to a rock tumbler, called a barrel polisher, is used to polish metal for various purposes in the commercial market.