It's finally time to show my process of how I tumble my rocks. I use a rotary tumbler and ceramic media in this tutorial. While it says agates in the title, this is how I tumble all of my other rocks too. The steps are as follows:
Stage 1). 3 tbsp. 80 or 60-90 grit silicon carbide 7 days(repeat as needed)
Stage 2). 3 tbsp. 220 grit silicon carbide 7 days
Burnish Stage). 2 tbsp. borax 4-48 hrs. (these stages are optional)
Stage 3). 3 tbsp. aluminum oxide 10 days
Burnish Stage
Stage 4). 3 tbsp. polish aluminum oxide 2 weeks
Burnish Stage
to purchase materials check out https://www.rockshed.com/
Links for specific materials:
Rock for Tumbling: https://www.rockshed.com/product-category/rocks-gemstones-fossils-and-minerals/rocks/crushed-rock/ (includes all sizes of grit needed)
Grit: https://www.rockshed.com/rock-shop/rock-tumblers-supplies/rock-tumbling-grit-and-accessories/small-rotary-grit-pack/ (this
Ceramic media: https://www.rockshed.com/rock-shop/rock-tumblers-supplies/rock-tumbling-grit-and-accessories/small-ceramics/ (small)
https://www.rockshed.com/rock-shop/rock-tumblers-supplies/rock-tumbling-grit-and-accessories/large-ceramic-media/ (large)