Rock Tumbler Grits

Bryce Martin
11 min readOct 1, 2024

Step into the exciting realm of rock tumbling - a delightful activity for enthusiast and a valuable resource for artists. Rock tumbles play a crucial role in transforming rough rocks into exquisitely polished, smooth, and aesthetically pleasing pieces. Join us as we take you on a journey to discover our finest selection of superior quality rock tumbler grits. Let us help you create a productive and gratifying rock tumbling experience.

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Reviews

YHAspace 10 lbs Coarse Rock Tumbler Grit - Ideal for Polishing Rocks, Stones, and Gems

YHAspace 10 lbs Coarse Rock Tumbler Grit — Ideal for Polishing Rocks, Stones, and Gems | Image

Elevate your rock tumbling game with this high-quality 10 lb coarse silicon carbide grit. Gradually refine your stones with step 1 tumbler media grit, compatible with any rock tumbler brand. The spill-proof, re-closable jar ensures a mess-free and secure storage solution.

Premium Quality Rock Tumbler Grit for Effortless Tumbling Process

Premium Quality Rock Tumbler Grit for Effortless Tumbling Process | Image

Transform ordinary rocks into smooth, polished gems with Suspension Dudes' Rock Tumbler Grit #1. This grit, designed for STEP 1 of the tumbling process, is made from a 60/90 mesh silicon carbide granule. Simply fill your rotary tumbler with rocks, add the appropriate amount of grit for each pound of rock, and let the water almost cover your precious stones. With its easy application and exceptional results, this grit is a must-have for any rock tumbling enthusiast.

6 in 1 Rock Tumbler Grit Full Function Set - Important Safety Info for Children 13+

6 in 1 Rock Tumbler Grit Full Function Set — Important Safety Info for Children 13+ | Image

Discover the ultimate rock tumbling experience with this 6-in-1 set from Rock Tumblers by BAIDOON. Designed for those aged 13 and up with adult supervision, the grit provides a complete 4-step process to transform your favorite rocks into stunning polished gems. This versatile kit includes a ceramic refill media, 9 assorted rough rocks, and a grit polish refill, ensuring endless hours of fun and creativity.

2lb Final Polish Rock Tumbler Grit Refill (1500 Fine Aluminum Oxide)

2lb Final Polish Rock Tumbler Grit Refill (1500 Fine Aluminum Oxide) | Image

Polish your pre-polished rocks effortlessly with Final Polish 1500 Fine Aluminum Oxide. This high-quality refill works seamlessly with any rock tumbler, rock polisher, or stone polisher. With a smooth 1500-grit number, you'll achieve stunning results, backed by a 4-pound bag. Rest assured, this polish is compatible with any brand of rock tumbler, so you can confidently make your purchase.

2lb Aluminum Oxide Fine Polishing Grit for Rock Tumbler (1500)

2lb Aluminum Oxide Fine Polishing Grit for Rock Tumbler (1500) | Image

This high-quality 2-pound tumbler media grit is the perfect final polish for your tumbling stones, thanks to its 1500 fine aluminum oxide. Housed in a clear bottle for easy viewing and storage, this grit works seamlessly with any brand of rock tumbler, making it a top choice for enthusiasts worldwide.

Total 6 lbs Weight Rock Tumbler Grit Set with 4 Step Tumbling Media Refill

Total 6 lbs Weight Rock Tumbler Grit Set with 4 Step Tumbling Media Refill | Image

Enhance your rock tumbling experience with our versatile grit set, perfect for all rock tumblers. This 4-step grit pack boasts a total weight of 6 pounds, featuring silicon carbide grit for a variety of finishes. Each bottle is equipped with a secure seal for safe storage, making it easy to use whenever you need it. Our universal grit is guaranteed to deliver high-quality, polished rocks every time.

National Geographic Rock Tumbler Grit: Premium Agate Rock Mix for Rock Polishers & 5 Jewelry Fastenings

National Geographic Rock Tumbler Grit: Premium Agate Rock Mix for Rock Polishers & 5 Jewelry Fastenings | Image

Transform your rock polisher into a fascinating treasure trove with the National Geographic Agate Rock Refill, offering 1 lb of eye-catching agate rocks sourced from all corners of the globe. Choose from four different grades of grit to reveal the hidden beauty within. Plus, create personalized jewelry from your stunning creations with the included rock tumbler accessories.

High Quality Rock Tumbler Grit for Polishing Stones

High Quality Rock Tumbler Grit for Polishing Stones | Image

Crafting the perfect shine on your rock collection has never been easier with YHAspace's 8 lbs Tumbler Media Grit. This 1500 Fine Aluminum Oxide delivers the ultimate polish, suitable for any rock tumbler. And the best part? It's compatible with every brand, allowing you to mix and match with ease. Dive into the world of polished rocks with YHAspace's top-quality grit.

National Geographic Rock Tumblers Grit for Gemstone Polishing Kit

National Geographic Rock Tumblers Grit for Gemstone Polishing Kit | Image

Bring out the inner brilliance of your common stones by converting them into stunning gemstones with National Geographic's adaptable grit refill. Its innovative design seamlessly integrates with any rock tumbler, guiding you through a streamlined 4-step polishing process to achieve impressive results. Suitable for both enthusiasts and industry professionals, this top-quality grit provides hours of captivating entertainment and a plethora of creative potential.

Dan&Darci Rock Tumbler Grit Refill Kit - 3.5 lbs Grits Media & Poly Pellets

Dan&Darci Rock Tumbler Grit Refill Kit — 3.5 lbs Grits Media & Poly Pellets | Image

Elevate your rock tumbling game with the Dan&Darci Rock Tumbler Grit Refill Kit. This comprehensive refill kit packs a powerful punch, featuring 3.5 pounds of grit media and poly plastic pellets. Designed for easy use and convenient storage, these refill bottles make polishing your gems a breeze.

10 Lb Medium 180/220 Silicon Carbide Rock Tumbler Refill Grit

10 Lb Medium 180/220 Silicon Carbide Rock Tumbler Refill Grit | Image

Elevate your rock polishing game with 10 pounds of premium 180/220 silicon carbide grit, perfect for smoothing rock surfaces post initial shaping. Compatible with any brand of rock tumbler, ensure a seamless and efficient polishing process. Confidence comes standard with this high-quality media refill.

Premium 15-Pound Rock Tumbler Grit for Rotary Tumblers

Premium 15-Pound Rock Tumbler Grit for Rotary Tumblers | Image

Rock Tumbler Grit, masterfully crafted for a 15-pound tumbler, offers professional quality and outstanding results. This versatile grit works seamlessly in all Rotary Tumblers and Vibratory, setting the stage for exceptional stone polishing. The inclusion of step-by-step polishing directions and a handy grit measurement chart caters to all popular tumblers, ensuring a memorable journey for rock enthusiasts.

Rock Tumbler Grit - Enhance Your Rock Polishing Experience

Rock Tumbler Grit — Enhance Your Rock Polishing Experience | Image

Transform your rock tumbing experience with this high-quality 60/90 silicon carbide grit, compatible with any brand of rock tumbler. Packaged in a re-sealable bag, this 2-pound coarse size ensures a smooth, mess-free polishing process.

Complete 4-Stage Rock Tumbler Grit Kit with Aluminum Oxide Polish for 3 lb Tumblers

Complete 4-Stage Rock Tumbler Grit Kit with Aluminum Oxide Polish for 3 lb Tumblers | Image

The Rtumbler 4-step grit kit is a must-have for dedicated rock enthusiasts. With easy-to-follow instructions and a variety of pre-measured packs, this set ensures a smooth polishing process for your 3-pound tumbler. The 60/90 coarse silicon carbide, medium silicon carbide, fine silicon carbide, and aluminum oxide polish each contribute to the shimmering finish of your gems. Suitable for home use, this reusable set delivers remarkable results, backed by enthusiastic 5-star reviews.

Buyer's Guide

Welcome to our guide on rock tumbler grit! A rock tumbler is an essential tool for those who love to collect and polish rocks, but choosing the right one can be a bit overwhelming. In this section, we'll help you understand the basics of rock tumbler grit and guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tumbler for your needs. Let's get started!

What is Rock Tumbler Grit?

Rock tumbler grit is the size and texture of the media used in a rock tumbler. The media is responsible for wearing down the rock, resulting in a polished finish. Rock tumbler grits come in various sizes, from fine to coarse, and are rated by numbers. For example, a #1 grit is very fine, while a #3 grit is a medium size, and #12 grit is very coarse. The lower the number, the finer the grit. Different grits are used depending on the type of rock and the desired finish. It's essential to use the correct grit to achieve the best results. In general, you would start with a coarser grit and work your way down to finer grits for best results and to avoid damaging your specimens.

Types of Rock Tumbler Grit

There are several types of rock tumbler media, including natural and synthetic materials. Natural materials include sand, crushed quartz, and crushed marble. Synthetic materials are man-made grits made from polymers or a combination of materials. Each type of grit has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, natural materials are generally more affordable, while synthetic materials can be more durable and produce a smoother finish. It's essential to choose a grit that suits your specific needs and the type of rocks you are working with.

Considerations When Choosing Rock Tumbler Grit

When selecting the right rock tumbler grit for your project, consider the following factors: the type of rock you are polishing, the desired finish, the size of your rocks, and your budget. If you're working with soft rocks like jasper or agate, you may want to start with a coarser grit, while harder rocks like quartz may require finer grits for a smooth finish. The size of your rocks will also determine the grit size you should use; smaller rocks may require a finer grit to avoid over-polishing. Lastly, your budget will play a role in your choice of grit, with natural materials typically being more affordable than synthetic materials.

General Advice for Using Rock Tumbler Grit

Here are some general tips for using rock tumbler grit effectively: Start with a coarser grit and work your way down to finer grits to achieve the best results. Follow the manufacturer's recommended ratio of media to stones. Avoid using too much media, as this can clog the tumbler and reduce its effectiveness. Regularly check your tumbler for any clogs or issues, and clean it as needed. Finally, remember that patience is key when polishing rocks. It may take multiple cycles and changing grits to achieve the desired finish. Happy tumbling!

FAQ

What is a rock tumbler grit?

Rock tumbler grit is a type of abrasive used to polish stones and rocks. It comes in different grades ranging from coarse to fine, allowing users to achieve varying levels of polish on their specimens. The grits are typically made from materials such as silica, garnet, or ceramic and are designed to be compatible with rock tumblers.

Rock tumblers are machines that use mechanical action and abrasive materials to shape and polish rocks and stones. Using the appropriate grit is essential for achieving the desired results, whether it's a natural, matte finish or a high-gloss shine. Different types of rocks require different grades of grit to achieve optimal results.

How do I choose the right rock tumbler grit?

Choosing the right grit depends on the type of rock you are polishing and the level of polish you want to achieve. Generally, coarser grits are used for roughing up the surface of the rock, while finer grits are used for polishing. Some common rock tumbler grits include 60, 80, 120, 220, 325, 400, 600, 1000, and 2000 grit.

As a rule of thumb, start with a coarser grit and work your way up to finer grits for better results. For example, if you're polishing a quartz, you might start with a 60-grit and work up to a 2000-grit for a high-gloss shine. However, always follow the manufacturer's recommended sequence of grits, as different stones may require different processes.

Do I need to rinse my rocks between each grit?

Yes, it is recommended to rinse your rocks between each grit to remove any excess abrasive material and prevent cross-contamination of textures. This will ensure that each grit is working on the intended surface and not on the surface that has already been polished with a previous grit. Rinse your rocks with water and gently brush away any debris with a soft-bristled brush.

It's also a good idea to periodically inspect your rocks for any cracks or flaws that may have been revealed during the polishing process. If you notice any issues, you may need to adjust your technique or use a different grit to avoid damaging your specimens further. Ensuring proper rinsing will help maintain the integrity of your rocks and result in a better polish.

How long does it take to polish a rock using a rock tumbler?

The time it takes to polish a rock using a rock tumbler can vary depending on the type of rock, the size of the rock, the grit sequence used, and the desired level of polish. Generally, the process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Smaller rocks will polish faster than larger ones, and harder rocks will take longer to polish than softer ones.

Most rock tumblers come with a recommended sequence of grits and use a tumbling cycle of 10-12 hours per day for several days to a few weeks. Some users may choose to run their tumblers continuously for faster results, but this can increase the risk of damage to the rocks and may not yield the best results. Following the manufacturer's recommended schedule and time will help ensure the best outcome for your polishing project.

Can I use my rock tumbler grit for other purposes?

While rock tumbler grit is designed specifically for polishing rocks, it can also be used for other purposes such as cleaning and deburring metal surfaces, smoothing and refining clay sculptures, and even sharpening pencils and cutting tools. The grit's abrasive nature makes it effective for removing surface imperfections and achieving a smooth, polished finish on various materials.

However, it is essential to note that not all grits are suitable for all applications. Some grits may be too coarse or too fine for a particular purpose, so it's crucial to choose the appropriate grit for the task at hand. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and safety precautions when using rock tumbler grit for any purpose.

How do I store my rock tumbler grit?

Storing your rock tumbler grit properly is essential to maintain its effectiveness and prevent contamination. Always keep your grit in a clean, dry container with a tight-fitting lid to protect it from moisture and dust. It's also a good idea to label your containers with the grit size and date of purchase to keep track of your inventory and usage.

When not in use, store your grit in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Exposure to sunlight or excessive heat can cause the grit to deteriorate or become less effective over time. By storing your grit properly, you can ensure that it remains in good condition for future use and continue to achieve excellent results when polishing your rocks and stones.

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