Bench Tips

Working with Synthetic Quartz

- Bob Rush

For many years, I have worked with synthetic quartz, mostly utilizing it for the top layer in a triplet cabochon, but also putting it on both the top and bottom, depending on what I want the cab to look like. I like it because it is always crystal clear, fracture free, and readily available at a reasonable cost. It is relatively easy to cut and polish, but you must use caution in your cabbing activities to ensure it doesn’t get overheated, or it will fracture.