[Rockhounds] Microwave kilns

[Peter Sparks]

I've been interested in kilns and backyard foundry work for a while, and
recently a friend mentioned using a microwave to create cubic zirconia,
and even making diamond coatings with the microwave.  He was really
interested in knowing "someone that is working on nano deposition (or
whatever might work) of polymer coatings for surface free energy
(non-stick)?"

Well, I'm not going to pursue his question with this group but has
anyone played with the microwave to make cubic zirconia rough, diamond
deposition, diamonds, metal casting, stained glass slumping, heat
treating, ...?  My interest is knowing pitfalls or suggestions for doing
this kind of work.

I've included a few links, though I put in the diamond peanut
butter/briquet as a lark.  If you make any send me some and we'll break
the diamond monopoly overnight.

Cubic zirconia
http://www.geologyrocks.co.uk/tutorials/cubic_zirconia

Diamond deposition
http://www.ias.ac.in/pramana/v55/p933/fulltext.pdf

Briquettes & peanut butter diamonds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWhtkkOYoxo
http://www.rangeguide.net/diamonds.htm

Peter Sparks
zebulon at isr.umich.edu