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Article: Lapidary

Lapidary

Etymology and History of Lapidary

  • The word 'lapidary' comes from the Latin word 'lapis,' meaning stone.
  • In the 14th century, the term evolved from 'lapidarius,' meaning stonecutter, into the Old French word 'lapidaire,' meaning one skilled in working with precious stones.
  • Lapidary work likely began during the Stone Age.
  • Egyptians developed cutting and jewelry fashioning methods for various stones.
  • Lapidary arts were well-developed in the Indian subcontinent by the early 1st millennium CE.
  • Trade in lapidary products between Africa and India was established in the 1st millennium CE.
  • Lapidary was a significant tradition in early Mesoamerica.

Techniques of Lapidary

  • Three broad categories of lapidary arts are tumbling, cabochon cutting, and faceting.
  • Gemcutters use various tools and techniques to shape and polish stones.
  • The Mohs Hardness Scale is commonly used in lapidary to measure a mineral's hardness.
  • Mechanical facet-cutting devices are sometimes used.
  • Gemcutters may also cut and polish diamonds for industrial purposes.
  • Diamond-edged saws are used for cutting harder stones.
  • Softer materials can be cut using other mediums such as silicon carbide or garnet.
  • Shaping and polishing gemstones is a grinding or sanding process.
  • Grit material, usually diamond, is used on a precision metal plate called a lap.
  • Faceting requires precise adjustment of angle and location around the gemstone.
  • The design can be computer-generated or done by the individual cutting the gemstone.
  • The gemstone is usually affixed to a rod using dopping cement.
  • A coolant is applied during grinding to prevent softening of the cement.
  • Cabochons are shaped and polished in a similar manner.
  • Most modern lapidary work is done using motorized equipment.
  • Polishing is done with various abrasive compounds.
  • Different grit sizes are used for shaping, facet placement, and polishing.
  • The final polish may use a different medium such as tin oxide or cerium oxide.
  • Polishing requires progressively decreasing particle sizes.
  • Inlaying is a specialized form of lapidary work.
  • It involves the incorporation of gemstones or marble into a surface.
  • Inlaying can be done on various materials.
  • Skilled lapidary artists create intricate designs through inlaying.
  • It is a technique used for decorative purposes.

Safety in Lapidary

  • Stones can contain hazardous ingredients like asbestos, silica, lead, talc, and others.
  • Inhaling the dust produced by lapidary techniques on these stones can cause health issues.
  • Copper(II) oxide in colorful minerals like turquoise and malachite can damage the endocrine and central nervous systems.
  • Silicates, the most common minerals, can result in silicosis when their dust is inhaled.
  • Fossil rocks can be radioactive.

Societies and Clubs in Lapidary

  • Lapidary clubs exist worldwide, including in Australia where the GEMBOREE is an annual nationwide lapidary competition.
  • Tucson, Arizona hosts a collection of gem and mineral shows, including the largest gem and mineral event in the world.
  • The United States has societies like the American Gem Society.
  • Gem shows and competitions provide opportunities for lapidary enthusiasts to showcase their skills and knowledge.
  • Lapidary societies and clubs offer a platform for networking, learning, and sharing experiences.

Importance and Applications of Lapidary

  • Lapidary plays a crucial role in the production of gemstones and jewelry.
  • It involves shaping, cutting, and polishing gemstones to enhance their beauty and value.
  • Lapidary techniques are utilized in various industries, including jewelry making, sculpture, and archaeology.
  • Lapidary skills are passed down through generations, preserving traditional craftsmanship.
  • The lapidary industry contributes to the global economy through the trade and sale of gemstones.

Lapidary Data Sources

Reference URL
Glossary https://harryandcojewellery.com.au/blogs/glossary/lapidary
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapidary
Wikidata https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17319698
Knowledge Graph https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/039ny7

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