Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Antimony glass prep

Almost done roasting the stibnite. When the weather is good (it's raining right now), and I have enough time away from work, I'll make the glass. This time, I'm going to use laboratory grade acetic acid with distilled water instead of my own distilled vinegar - I think I may have better results that way.
Once that roasting is done, I'm going to do some work on roasting galena, then Kermes mineral. So lots to do.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Glassblowing and stuff

I know I haven't posted in a while; that's cuz I've been busy with a few other things. But I try to do what I can in the lab when I can. I've been keeping up with my acetate path projects and the fire stone, also continuing to roast stibnite to make some antimony oil. Not much has really been worth mentioning.
I got all my equipment for glassblowing, and I started getting my hands dirty with it outside. (I don't want to do it inside for safety reasons.) I managed to singe the hairs on my arm, as well as ruin a whole glass tube and several test tubes. I realize I'm just starting out, but man do I suck! :P I guess I need a lot of practice.... a LOT.