PolishingRocks.com - Turning rocks into gems

How to Tumble Agate: A Complete Guide to Polishing Agate in a Rock Tumbler

February 13, 2026

Learn how to tumble agate to a glass-like polish. Step-by-step grit stages, timing, common mistakes, and which agate varieties tumble best.

Beginner's Guide

Post-Tumble Enhancement Techniques: Sealing, Coating, and Finishing for Maximum Shine

December 29, 2025

Even perfectly polished stones can lose their luster over time.

Advanced Techniques

The Rock Tumbler Noise Problem: Sound Dampening Solutions and Quieter Alternatives

December 20, 2025

You're not being unreasonable if you're tired of the constant rumbling.

Advanced Techniques

How Climate Affects Rock Tumbling: Temperature, Humidity, and Seasonal Adjustments

December 13, 2025

If you've noticed your rocks turn out differently in summer versus winter, you're not imagining it.

Advanced Techniques

How to Actually Make Money Selling Tumbled Stones (Without Losing Your Mind)

December 11, 2025

This guide will walk you through what it actually takes to scale responsibly.

Advanced Techniques

Tumbling Exotic and Rare Stones: Species-Specific Guides for Tanzanite, Tourmaline, Opal, and Moonstone

December 2, 2025

These stones demand respect, specific grit sequences, and careful monitoring.

Beginner's Guide

Best Amazon Products for Rock Tumbling: Hidden Gems You Should Know About

November 29, 2025

The combination of competitive pricing, customer reviews, and fast shipping makes it worth checking before you resort to specialty retailers.

Advanced Techniques

Troubleshooting Cloudy or Hazy Polished Rocks: What Went Wrong and How to Fix It

November 27, 2025

Once you understand what went wrong, you can either recover those rocks or prevent the problem on your next batch.

Advanced Techniques

Hybrid Tumbling Strategies: Combining Rotary and Vibration Methods for Better Results

November 27, 2025

Combining both methods strategically can unlock better results for specific stone types and achieve finishes that single-method tumbling can't match.

Advanced Techniques

Tumbling Notes on Some of My Favorite Gemstones

April 1, 2025

Whether used in healing, worn for protection, or simply admired, these crystals carry stories that connect us to Earth and ourselves.

Beginner's Guide

Best Tumbling Media for Rock Polishing: A Comprehensive Guide

July 30, 2024

Understanding the benefits of tumbling media like plastic pellets or ceramic media, and how to use them will significantly improve your tumbling results.