As already said and I must say the same. Two facetor friends  I know use them and would not cut on any other.

Yes, As already said Chiastolite variety of Andalusite.

I have cut Indian Black skins, Some Mad River Agate and some from Oregon that could pass for each other and very highly resemble the stone you are showing.

Pretty sure 6 is a piece of Bruneau Jasper. I have have cut some nearly identical from my own hoard. That said it is not typical color or orb pattern but Bruneau does this once in a while.

I so concur. The small ones often produce some killer scenes and pattern.

Sorry the tag on the second photo is wrong, both are Owyhee area

Welcome from Ohio !

Hey from Central Ohio. Earth Science Major at OU mid seventies.

Welcome aboard.

The University where I attended had one of these that we used to do thin sections on in geology. Yours appears to be mostley there.

You are on the right track teaching.

I had no teacher , started at 5 a with sears rock tumbler, B & I horizontal cab unit by 10. Finished my G.G in Residence at GIA by 18. After 40 years in the business it went by like a hurricane- it's never too early.

The Olmec Blue material I saw about 5 years ago was more of a grey blue and not real translucent.

That's a pretty nice piece of jade but - the color- not quite right.

Take a look at what some are calling Gonzales Blue

Hope this helps a little

Color can be a subjective thing- in some cases maybe a little imagination

All very nice- Polish Very Good- and layout.

However the Bigg's does it for me.

4 & 5 Cathedral Agate

I agree. Killer Slab you have there !!

My two favorite things to make polishing wheels out of- close grain wood or Phenolic Plastic. Simply charge with diamond compound.

Can PM with some specific directions. Are you looking more cutting material or specimen?