Preparation prior to cutting and polishing a cabochon

As promised, here is one of the cabochons I am currently working on. 

This one came from one of my first pieces jasper that I found along the macquarie river, NSW, Australia.

I am concerned about the cracks visible on the left side and bottom right of the piece, having had a nice piece of agate shatter on me during polishing, it is an experience that you wouldn't forget any time soon.

But nothing ventured, nothing gained.

You purchase my photograph here

Istock account update

 Hello guys just posting an old quick update about my istock account.

I should have a few more images posted as soon as they are accepted.

Here's my istock account

Getting back into blogging

 It has been a age since I posted anything here, but I  will get back into it as I returned to my lapidary club after a long hiatus.

I look forward to posting photos again of my fossicking excursions here again in the near future.

Istock account update

Istock account update

Hello everyone now have over 700 images available for purchase on my Istock account

light pollution

Light pollution 

I was out photographing the stars around 2:30 Sunday morning, As I was returning home I noticed the shear amount of light pollution form one light sources up on the crest of the hill in the distance so I stopped to photograph the effect.

behind it and to the left you can see light pollution from Bathurst.

I found it interesting to see some of the impact we have had on the night sky.