These instructions will show you how to make nicely mounted crystals
just like the ones in the old crystal radios. Materials needed are:
-Minerals to mount, such as galena or iron pyrite
-Solder or Woods metal
-Mold for the mounts
-Soldering iron
You can make the mold by drilling a 7/16 inch hold in a piece of any
material that will withstand the head of the molten solder. Some mounts
are 1/2 inch. I use 1/4 inch thick acrylic and Woods metal that melts
at
158 degrees F. I drill the 7/16 inch hole and then smooth and slightly
bevel the inside edges of hole with sandpaper so the crystal will push
out the bottom smoothly.
Although some users don't agree, I think the high temperatures
necessary
to melt solder diminish the sensitivity of the crystal.
I use another piece of acrylic underneath as a base plate clamped
together
so that the 2 pieces can be separated and the crystal pushed out the
bottom
of the mold when cool.
Break off a piece of mineral the size you want. I use wire cutters.
It is best to test the crystal and find the best surface to leave
facing
upwards.
Next, melt some of your mounting metal in the hole about 2/3 full.
Remember, the crystal will take up some room so don't fill it up all
the
way or it will uverflow when you put the rock in.
Then while the metal is still liquid, drop the rock on to the surface,
keeping the best surface pointing upwards.
The rock will tend to float up so you have to hold it down while the
metal cools and hardens.
When it is cool, separate the mold from the base plate and push the
mounted crystal out the bottom.
Be careful, it will be HOT at first, epsecially if you use solder.