[Jewelry making - Article 00508] - [Orchid] [Enamel Beads] Vermiculite vs Perlite

[Pam East]

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    I make enamel beads with a torch and I anneal them in a crockpot
    full of vermiculite. 

    Recently I read a letter in Glassline claiming vermiculite is a
    sort of natural asbestos (yikes!) and perlite is a better
    alternative.  I do care about my lungs so I decided to give the
    perlite a try. 

    So far I've found that the stuff crackles, pops, and smokes a
    bit when I drop hot beads into it, but so far this hasn't hurt my
    beads any. They seem to be coming out just fine.  The worst
    problem I'm facing is the perlite is SO dusty.  When I sift it
    out or pour it into the crockpot I'm getting a cloud of white
    dust. I can't imagine that this is any better for my lungs than
    the vermiculite.   

    Does anyone know a method for removing some of the dust from the
    perlite? A way to wash it perhaps?  Any thoughts on the merits of
    vermiculite vs perlite in general? 



Pam East <pam AT mindless.com>
http://www.pinzart.com

Tattoos - While you wait!


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