Lapidary
– What lapidary is and how it is practiced
– Safety, ethics, and insurance requirements
– Resources for clubs with lapidary workshops
– Essential forms and documents
Check out our Gallery to view more lapidary photos
Polishing Cabochons
Lapidary is the art of working stone. It involves shaping, finishing, and enhancing rocks, minerals, gemstones, and fossils to reveal their natural beauty.
Many rockhounds eventually develop an interest in the lapidary arts, which include the creation of jewellery and decorative art pieces.
Common lapidarist techniques include:
- cutting and sawing
- shaping and grinding
- polishing and sanding
- drilling and engraving
- faceting, cabbing, carving, and sculpting
- tumbling and cleaning specimens
Lapidary work often also involves metal crafting techniques used to present stones attractively, such as:
- mounting and setting stones
- inlay work
- silver and gold wire wrapping
- soldering and basic goldsmithing
A lapidarist (or lapsmith) is a person who practices these skills. Lapidary work is typically carried out in a workshop, equipped with specialized tools and safety equipment.
Lapidary has been practiced for centuries and remains an important artistic and technical craft today.
A Goldsmith in his Shop
A Goldsmith in his Shop, oil on oak panel, circa 1449 by Petrus Christus (Flemish artist), in the Robert Lehman Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art – Open Access as granted by the Met. In addition to “a wedding ring that is being weighed on a scale”, the painting shows “luminous jeweled, glass, and metallic objects, secular and ecclesiastic trade wares that are examples of the goldsmith’s virtuosity”.
Quotes: The Met
Chaco Anasazi Culture lapidary tools
– An abrader (dated ~900-1150 BP)
– Drill with turquoise bead (dated ~700–1200 BP)
– Tools from Chaco Culture National
Historical Park, US National Park Service – public domain
Lapidary Resources and Documents
CCFMS Lapidary Kit
Complete booklet for clubs with a lapidary workshop. It contains: Risk Minimization, Code of Ethics, Health And Safety Best Practices, Detailed Responsibilities for Workshop Leaders, Equipment and PPE, Checklists and Forms.
Code of Ethics
Ensure ethical leadership and participation.
Workshop Forms
Attendance Sheet, Waiver Form, Emergency Response Sheet, Calling 911 Sheet, Accident Report
Liability Insurance
Protect yourself and your club for property damage and personal injury by submitting a Liability Insurance Request Form.
Find Guidelines and Essentials for Safety
The following documents provide guidance for operating safe and responsible lapidary workshops.
CCFMS Code of Ethics for Workshop Leaders
The CCFMS developed this Code of Ethics for Lapidary Workshop Leaders and asks all member clubs to abide by them.
CCFMS Lapidary Forms
Each of these forms and sheets have been designed to help clubs and members be organized and safe.
Workshop Liability Waiver
Workshop Attendance SISO (sign-in/sign-out) sheet
Emergency Response Recommendations
Calling 911 sheet
Accident Incident Report sheet