[SCA-AS] Actual Agate Mortars and Pestles for enamel painting

[rmhowe]

When I took multiple cloissone courses my teacher was
very specific about needing an agate mortar and pestle
to grind the 80 grit glass used for enamelling to something
much finer, more in the 320 grit range. This is done to
prepare the glass powder for painting with glass enamels.

Anyway it took me five years to find an agate mortar and
pestle [prohably because it didn't occur to me to look on
eBay where one company sells them in fairly large lots].
I kept looking at our local gemshows, up to six per year,
and all I could find were softer ones. None of the suppliers
I knew of carried them.

When I bought one last night there were nineteen left in
this particular lot and he had a second page up so I assume
the dealer has more.

Item title: Mortar and Pestle 3" Agate for Lab Shop Home Chalcedony
Web address:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7414391856
On eBay the dealer is known as Opticaspace.

He also has some small crucibles, some of which are in the 4000°F
range and some which are cheaper in the lower ranges.
They might be good for mixing specific small amounts of metal
alloys. Although Rio Grande, I have been informed, sells an
Ancient Bronze mixture. The Romans and Celts regularly enameled
on bronze brooches. I am hoping it will work with manganese
bronze. Have some, will have to try it.

OpticaSpace / AA Portable Power Corp
2700 Rydin Road C
Richmond, CA 94804
ebay at mtixtl.com

Magnus