Learn Lapidary

Display of colorful polished gemstones and crystals

The Lapidary Shop

The lapidary shop is the area where we start new members. This is where we turn a “rock”, “rough”, or “stone” into a “Cabochon”. Cabochon is a French term, in reference to the domed shape of the stone, reminiscent of the shaved head of a monk. Cabochons are usually cut in an oval or circle shape. These are the easiest shapes to produce for a beginner. The type of stone generally used in the lapidary shop is one of many varieties of agate, or jasper.

While you are cutting the first couple of stones you will have one of several “Trainer” volunteers to assist and guide you through the cabochoning process.

The equipment that you will find in the shop, that you will learn to use to turn your stone into a polished piece of art, are listed as follows:

  • Slab Saw: A large saw used to cut rough into slabs. A saw is probably the last piece of equipment you will learn to use without supervision.
  • Trim Saw: A smaller saw used to trim slabs to a shape to reduce grinding on the cabochon grinder.
  • “Cabber” or “Cabbing” Machine: The cabochon machine is a grinder with multiple grinding wheels. Each wheel is a different grit. Usually beginning at 180 grit, progressing to 14,000 grit. This is usually sufficient for most stones that you cut to turn your stone from a rough to polished piece.

We use the term “CUT” loosely. The actual action from cutting a slab, to producing a cabochon, is grinding.

Once you start producing cabochons they can be turned into unique pieces of hand made jewelry. This can be done through learning to wire wrap, silversmith, or set a stone into a commercial setting.

Each person using the equipment is responsible, at the end of your work session, to clean the machine you used, and straightening and reorganizing the work area.