Thanks for the information. I have some "White Buffalo" white turquoise that is
incredibly soft and liable to break up if handled roughly. I'll try the
waterglass solution and report on the result.

Thanks for the suggestion.

--- In lapidaryworld@yahoogroups.com, jeff tucker <lookback_us@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for that article John.......I saw one similar to this only using
acetone and 2 part 330 epoxy, only it didn't call for the baking.
>
> I am impressed with the quick replies to this post, once again I will check
that out, Im game to try about anything when it comes to shiny rocks.
> Jeff
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: grinder1095 <gcmnhoj@...>
> To: lapidaryworld@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:40:06 PM
> Subject: [Lapidary World] Re: stabilizing turquoise
>
>
> I have not tried this but the info may help.
> John
>
> ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
>
> Stabilizing Soft Turquoise with Sodium Silicate
> By Ed Ashton
>
> In September's 1993 Lapidary Journal, June Culp Zietner reported that Rock
Rustlers (Minnesota Mineral Club) had a recipe for hardening chalk-soft
turquoise. Thanks both to June and the Rock Rustlers for information that
allowed me to add just one more method to stabilizing Turquoise. After several
time through the process I will you how I use the process with great success.
>
> Step 1: Use a quart wide-mouth canning jar. Soak pieces of soft and chalky
turquoise in a solution of (water glass and water at a 50/50 strength.) The
pieces should not be larger than 2" in diameter. Be sure all pieces are covered.
Soak the material from 7 to 10 days.
>
> Step 2: Dry in the sun for 10 days. I place a piece of waxed paper on a sunny
windowsill; it works well
>
> Step 3: Use a 2-quart Pyrex bowl; place a 1-inch layer of sand in the bowl.
Lay a layer of the soaked material on the sand so they do not touch. Add another
1-inch layer of sand on the 1st layer of materials. Repeat until all the
material is covered with sand including the last layer.
>
> Step 4: Cure by baking in the oven starting at 150F for 2 hours. Turn the oven
up to 225-250F for another hour then turn the oven off. DO NOT open the door.
Allow to cool slowly overnight and you are ready to work the material.
>
> Hint: Buy the Sodium Silicate at your drug store. Get the near quart bottle
size, which will cost you about $6.00 (2005 price around $13.00) for the quart.
Used over and over it will cure a bushel of turquoise. As long as you pack the
material in sand it will not be liable to crack. You can also bake the material
in sand in a coffee can or baking pan.
>
> From "Rock Chips" 8/04 via Sedona Red Rocking News 9/04
>
> --- In lapidaryworld@ yahoogroups. com, "lookback_us" <lookback_us@ ...>
wrote:
> >
> > Greetings, has anyone here ever used vacuum or any other method to stabilize
stone?.....I have some very rare turquoise on hand but it is rather soft and I
want to harden it up a bit before making cabs or pendants.... thanks
> > jeff
> >
>