To cut or not to cut? III, Lapidary shop dispute Options

[Denise]

Here is a really cool piece Jim sent us a while back with workable material.
The piece was already cut, but the question is....should it be cut again?

The outside face looks like it was formed against crystals, and the inside where it was cut shows some amazing orange and red plume twards the bottom.

Would you cut it again, or leave it like it is for a specimen?






Place your vote!

[swizz]

I like it as specimen but would open up that druzy some more so that it is single-chambered, further exposing it's sparkly interior. Both sides are display-worthy in my opinion but I'd alter it somewhat (if I had that skill ).
I'm not sure if that would qualify as "cut it" or "leave it", so I didn't vote. I'm sayin "leave it" (as specimen), but "cut it" (to make it a more attractive specimen). Depends on what you mean by "cut it".

[Denise]

There are actually two different druzy pockets, and wouldnt be possible to open into one. Here is a better picture showing the outer side of the stone where the druzy pockets formed in the crystal looking imprints. You can see the sky through the top pocket, but can only see the light from the lower pocket with the angle Im holding it for the pic.

I left the picture large so you can click the image for a more detailed close up view.


This is as good as it gets other than polishing the cut face and a bit more cleaning, unless it is sliced for workable material.
Decisions, decisions.........

[swizz]

If you were to "cut it"... how would you cut it? Are you thinking of cabbing it or making a guit pic?
I'm still set on "specimen" but you might be able to sell me on the "cut it" vote.

[Denise]

Personally, I wouldnt cut it again. It could be taken to a 6" trim saw and have slices taken off the thicker end.
As far as a guitar pick goes, there is no way with this piece. There are a few fractures that can be seen in the cut face so there wouldnt be enough room to avoid the fractures.

Apparently Jim though it was workable, so maybe he could answer that question better.

[swizz]

OK, I voted "don't cut". I think maybe just smooth and polish the already-cut side.
Could probably be cleaned a little bit more if desired?

[Denise]

Im definately going to clean it up a bit more, Its still pretty dirty.