Lapidary
Tumbling, cutting and polishing rough stones into smooth, shiny gems.
Lapidary
- To start
- $80
- Each month
- $15
- Time
- 2 hours a week
- Sessions
- 1 hour or more
- Where
- At home or out
- Who with
- On your own
Is it for you?
- It builds a collection you'll love curating.
- It's hands-on from start to finish.
- You end up with something you made.
- There's no one to beat, ever.
You’ll like it if
- You want to build something of your own
- You want to make things
- You want to switch off
Maybe not if
- You want to enjoy it from day one
- You hate cleaning up
- You want something fast and exciting
Heads upMessy
What it feels like
LapidaryAverage craft & Making hobbyCalm
Company
Physical effort
Creative freedom
Brainwork
Hands-on
Outdoors
Quick wins
$80Costs more to start than 75% of hobbies
$15Over a year, more than the kit
$260About $3 an hour at 2 hours a week
What to buy first
Buy this firstRock Tumbler for BeginnersSee our tested picks
Borrow from a friend or buy second-hand first. Upgrade once you know you will keep going.
Your first session
Load a rotary tumbler with agates and coarse grit, the first of four weekly stages to a glassy polish.
1 hour or moreAt home or outEasy to start
Questions
How much does lapidary cost to start?
About $80 if you rent or borrow where people usually do, then about $15 a month once you are going.
How much time does lapidary take?
About 2 hours a week to enjoy it and get better, in sessions of 1 hour or more.
Can I do lapidary at home?
Yes, or out if you prefer. Needs a spare room or a dedicated area.
Is lapidary good for beginners?
Yes. It is easy to start as a complete beginner. A good first session: Load a rotary tumbler with agates and coarse grit, the first of four weekly stages to a glassy polish.
Do I need other people for lapidary?
No. It works fine on your own.