[bloodrock (OP)]

Hi,
I am currently working on an art project and I need some advice
I have a bunch of rocks/crystals that I have crushed into a fine powder. The goal is to use that powder and shape/mould it to create various different things. I want to be able to shape this powder into any form and let it cure so that it hardens and becomes a rock solid object.

I do not how exactly to go about this. What substance I might need to mix with the powder or what techniques I need to use. I feel like there might be a few different methods to achieve the result I am looking for. So I am hoping someone from this community can provide a solution.

I have attached a photo of the desired end product.


Screen Shot 2020-07-21 at 7.04.28 PM.png (479.32 kB . 644x574 - viewed 5647 times)

[Bored chemist]

Well...
http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2016/06/029.html

[evan_au]

I have seen a demonstration of lava pouring at the Bishop Museum in Hawaii.
- But it takes a long time to make lava out of lava...

Is it possible to leave the hard rock as hard rock, and just carve it?
- This would be traditional sculpture

Perhaps the easiest would be to mix the hard rock powder with cement (which is a soft rock powder) and water, and let it set in the shape you want.
- If it doesn't need to be durable, you can mix the hard rock powder with plaster-of-paris (which is an even softer rock powder)

[chiralSPO]

In addition to using cement as a binder,  you might consider using a glue or resin. (some experimentation required. to find ratios and setting time etc.)

[Monox D. I-Fly]

Hi,
I am currently working on an art project and I need some advice
I have a bunch of rocks/crystals that I have crushed into a fine powder. The goal is to use that powder and shape/mould it to create various different things. I want to be able to shape this powder into any form and let it cure so that it hardens and becomes a rock solid object.

I do not how exactly to go about this. What substance I might need to mix with the powder or what techniques I need to use. I feel like there might be a few different methods to achieve the result I am looking for. So I am hoping someone from this community can provide a solution.

I have attached a photo of the desired end product.


Screen Shot 2020-07-21 at 7.04.28 PM.png (479.32 kB . 644x574 - viewed 5647 times)

Wait, is that a Porygon?

[chris]

The people who do marble restoration use a resin to which marble dust is added; it goes off in about 20m producing a marble like solid. Useful for moulding or recasting pieces.

[alancalverd]

Transparent casting resin will do the job nicely.