Description
Pair of vintage alumina ceramic mining balls, sometimes used as meditation tools. The pair is hand chosen, they fit together nicely, one ball is mostly round, and the companion has a groove or dimple similar to a worry stone.
The stones feel cool to the touch and are extremely sturdy. You may see these marketed as lonsdaleite but they are actually mining balls. (more info below)
Size: round 33 mm or a little over 1.5 inches, companion 30 x 20 mm or 1.25 x .75 inches.
Alumina ceramic balls, commonly used in the mining industry for grinding and pulverizing processes, are sometimes mistakenly referred to as 'lonsdaleite.' Lonsdaleite, also known as hexagonal diamond due to its crystal structure, is a rare form of carbon distinct from the cubic structure of regular diamonds. It is misleading to label alumina ceramic balls as lonsdaleite, as the latter is a specific allotrope of carbon found in meteorites and not manufactured for industrial use. The confusion may arise from certain internet listings where alumina balls are erroneously marketed as 'lonsdaleite diamonds' with exorbitant price tags. It's important for consumers and industry professionals to recognize the difference between these materials to avoid misinformation and potential financial loss from purchasing mislabeled products. Alumina ceramic balls are valued for their durability and efficiency in grinding applications, not for their mistaken identity as a rare diamond form.