Begin class by getting familiar with top of the line lapidary equipment and the start to finish process of cutting freestyle and calibrated stones (for jewelry settings). Students will review the Mohs Hardness Scale and detect the softness and hardness of a variety of gemstones. With this knowledge students will learn to identify the types of wheels to use on the grinding and polishing machine and then practice with hard and soft stones, such as agate and turquoise. Students are encouraged to cut, shape, and polish a cabochon of their own design and have fun with the material.