Quartzite, Diorite, silica in general

Quoted text begins." . . . a dust mask but what kind?"
End of quote.

Hi Archie,

Welcome to the list.

A good cartridge-type respirator is a necessity if you value your
lungs when working anything besides limestone or calcium carbonate
marble. Most of the stones you might encounter will have a high silica
content which can cause silicosis lung disease, an irreversible
cumulative degenerative condition which reduces the capacity of the
lungs to transmit oxygen.

Cartridge-type respirators have replaceable activated-charcoal
cartridge-filters for the fine (toxic) particulates plus the prefilters
for the larger particles. They usually are available at larger
building-supply stores for $25-to-$40 (complete with cartridges) and also at
health and safety equipment suppliers for industry/medical purposes. The
cartridges cost about $10 a replacement pair, and will last for a couple
of months or less depending on the hours and concentrations of dust you
work. Between working sessions the whole mask can be stored in a
air-tight zip-top plastic bag to lengthen the life of the cartridges.
Prefilters should be changed at least as often as the cartridges, or
more often if the concentrations of dust in the environment is heavy.

Good Carving to You,
Don

http://www.dondougan.com