anhydrite

["Stacy Shure" <shurefamily@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Justin:

Obviously Tracy (who I respect greatly) and I have had different experiences
with the anyhdrite.  I have had a piece or two that when too wet have had
areas "pop" out because of the use of water.  However, if you are wet
sanding it and not submerging it in the water, you should be o.k.  By all
means, wet sand.  You just probably don't need to go above 600 grit to get a
really high shine.

I have found that if I have a piece that might retain water and fracture
because water has penetrated, I can usually tell because I will see an area
start to turn almost a yellowish brown.  With Randy's stone this hardly
happens, however drying very well between grit will assist.

The blue marble you've spoken of is great, too.  The blue marble may
sometimes contain spots of quartz - a dullish round area that will only
"move" with the assistance of diamonds.  Once again, a hard stone that
responds well to grinders.  Takes a beautiful polish and everything we've
carved at Art City takes a nice edge, just not too extreme.

Hope this helps.  Have fun.

Stacy Shure