06/09/2026
Hello Friends! We're occasionally asked: "What do you use for fastening rocks and crystals together, when making your art & meditation pieces for sale (or FREE giveaways)?"
Basically, we utilize two adhesives: Gorilla Super Glue and JB WaterWeld. When fastening two smooth, perfectly flat surfaces together, such as the flat bottom of a crystal point to a rock surface cut flat with a diamond saw, super glue is generally fine. The trick is to limit the amount of glue, applying it as several small drops instead of a larger, thicker mass. You'll know you have the right amount if the pieces "take" within a few seconds; otherwise, you probably have either too much glue (which will be weak, when dry) or surfaces (one or both) that aren't flat.
When it comes to irregular surfaces and heavier rock & crystal components unsuitable for super glue, JB WaterWeld is our choice. This product comes as a 1-in tube of "clay" that is 3.5-in long and wrapped in clear plastic. The 'clay' is composed of epoxy resin and the catalyst which hardens it when mixed together. With a razor blade or sharp knife, cut through the plastic wrap and clay at the same time for a piece the size you need. Then remove the plastic wrap and mix the clay with your rubber-gloved hands. Thorough mixing is essential, but must be done quickly. You have just minutes for mixing and applying the clay to achieve proper bonding. And this bond, once you get it right, is as strong as anything you can buy.
While drying (usually 1-2 hrs, although we wait longer for best results), the rocks you are bonding may need support that the soft clay cannot provide. Various clamps and braces can be used.
Also, for creative applications with the clay, such as in making columns, ropes, or pillars (such as the columns in the two photographed examples below), support is a must until the clay achieves its full strength in about 24 hrs.
WaterWeld clay dries to a whitish color. We always paint it to match the rock & crystal piece, using acrylic paint. Our favorite color is Rich Espresso from DecoArt (available from Amazon).
