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How to Drill Crystals

Crystals are natural stones that are semi-clear and are used in many types of jewelry and ornamentation. It is possible to drill holes in decorative crystals. If you have a crystal you would like to turn into an ornament or piece of jewelry, you can drill a small hole in it for a string or neck chain. Using a few basic tools and with a steady hand, you can drill a hole in your crystal in less than an hour.

Things You'll Need

Drill
Diamond or carbide-tipped drill bit
Small plastic bowl
Permanent marker

Instructions

- 1
  Mark the location of your hole with a permanent marker. You are going to be working in a small space, under water, so it's important to give yourself a guide to the exact location you want the hole.
- 2
  Fill a small plastic bowl with water (just deep enough to cover the crystal) and place the crystal in the bowl. This is the easiest way to keep the stone and drill bit cool during the drilling process. You can also have an assistant drip water on the stone while you drill.
- 3
  Aim the carbide-tipped or diamond drill bit over your premarked hole. Hold the crystal firmly in one hand while gently squeezing the trigger of the drill with the other, starting to drill the hole.
- 4
  Press down lightly on the drill, but allow the carbide tip to do the cutting. Drill for 20 to 30 seconds, then stop.
- 5
  Wiggle the stone slowly back and forth in the water to wash away any debris in the hole, then continue drilling for another 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat the process until you've drilled all the way through.
- 6
  If you have a crystal that's wider than the drill bit, or you want a nonlinear hole, drill halfway through one side of the stone, then flip it over and drill through the other side.

Gemology