Heat-Resistant Spinel, Aqua blue round 6mm
This heat-resistant Spinel is suitable for applications involving high temperatures. The stone is brilliant cut, has excellent light reflection, and retains its shine and color when processed correctly. This makes it safe to fire directly in metal clay and precious metal clay, or to cast in place in metal.
The Spinel is suitable for silver, copper, and bronze clay and is also highly appreciated by metalsmiths who cast or set the stone in place in silver or gold. In copper or bronze clay, the stone can be fired without issues in activated carbon.
Important: a hole or opening under the stone
For optimal results, it is strongly recommended to create a hole or opening under stones measuring 6 mm (smaller is allowed) and larger. This helps accommodate the shrinkage of the clay during firing and reduces the risk of cracking or loss of shine.
Practical notes
- Ensure that the clay fully or partially surrounds the stone so it does not shift or get pushed out of the setting during firing.
- Clean the stone carefully before firing. Any residue cannot be removed after the process. Preferably use a wooden pick or toothpick.
- Place larger stones in a cold kiln and allow them to cool down slowly.
- Do not cool in water – this causes thermal shock and may result in cracking.
- A hole under the stone helps distribute stress evenly during firing.
- Rapid temperature changes can cause stress, which may lead to cracking or dulling of the stone.
Contents:
Quantity: 1 pieces
Dimensions: 6 mm
Type: Spinel
Origin: Synthetic
Cut: Brilliant cut
Hardness: 8
Heat resistant*: Yes up to 1100~1200 °C
* The stones have been tested with a torch and/or in a kiln at high temperatures and without clay. Despite these tests, external factors can always play a role that may cause a stone to react differently.
Blue, in particular, is a difficult color, and not all blue zirconias are color-stable at high temperatures. All of our stones have been tested for color fastness at high temperatures. If you unexpectedly experience discoloration of a stone, it may help to fire the piece again in an oxygen-poor environment, for example by placing it in activated charcoal. This can help reduce or restore unwanted discoloration.
