Feeding the Machine
Every lapidary needs a steady supply of "rough"—the uncut stones waiting to be shaped. Finding good rough at reasonable prices is half the battle.
1. Rock and Gem Shows
The undisputed best place to buy. You can handle the material, shine a light through it, and check for fractures. The Tucson Gem and Mineral show is the mecca, but local club shows are often better for affordable cabbing rough.
2. Local Lapidary Clubs
Joining a club gives you access to estate sales (when older members retire from the hobby) and group buying power.
3. Online Dealers and Auctions
Facebook groups and Instagram are currently dominating the rough trade. Be cautious: photos are often saturated or taken wet to hide fractures. Always buy from sellers with strong return policies and good reputations.
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