Lapis Lazuli

[keithbyrd]

Customer contacted me with a fairly large piece of Lapis Lazuli stone he brought back from a tour in Afghanistan. He wants me to make a pen for him. I have never worked with stone and I am looking for any insights on how to. If possible, turn/shape into a pen. Any advice is welcome. TIA!

 

[JohnU]

I have no first hand experience but there was a guy here years ago who used a hand grinder instead of tools as it turned on the lathe.

 

[keithbyrd]

Thanks John - lots of questions!!!

 

[Woodchipper]

Not familiar with the stone but will be watching for the finished pen.

 

[mark james]

Check this thread out. Older, but may give hints for you to investigate:

Start from the beginning!

https://www.penturners.org/threads/turning-stone.134425/#post-1795743

 

[sorcerertd]

I do like lapis lazuli, and frequently wear a bracelet I made from it. Save the dust and you can paint ceilings like Michelangelo. That's what he used to color paint blue. It's also what Cleopatra used for eye shadow. That being said, I have no clue how to mill it for a pen, but I can bet it will be a very nice pen! Can't wait to see it if you go ahead with it. Please show us pictures of your progress/process.

 

[PenCasso]

You might reach out to this individual and ask them.

Amazon.com: Lapis lazuli stone pen : Office Products

Amazon.com: Lapis lazuli stone pen : Office Products

a.co

 

[PenCasso]

This may also help you....