How to Make Orgonite

Overview

Basic orgonite is simply fiberglass resin, metal shavings and a quartz crystal, cured in any mold you like. There's no one "right" shape or size for orgonite, and its range of effect seems to scale linearly with volume, but there are specific, time-tested, widely-used and repeatedly-confirmed effective designs for both personal and field devices which have grown and continue to grow out of the steadfast work of talented and dedicated gifters from around the world. These designs comprise the basic tools of the orgonite gifter as discussed on numerous orgonite Web boards and offered pre-made by many reputable orgonite vendors.

What You'll Need

Metal Shavings: Metal Shavings You don't want fine metal filings, nor do you want large pieces of metal. Quarter-inch-wide aluminum curls are very common and very effective for use in orgonite, but any kind of copper, iron, brass (including brassed aluminum), bronze, nickel or even steel shavings will work fine. Just bring a bucket and some work gloves to a local machine shop and ask them if you can fill your bucket with metal shavings. Before giving them to you for free, they will probably ask you what it's for (typically more out of curiosity than anything), so why not tell them? If you don't feel comfortable explaining orgonite to them, simply tell them about this site, or give them the simplest honest answer you can, such as a "public service," "art project," or even "science experiement". However, you may be surprised what people will understand if you take the time to explain it meaningfully and from the heart.

Quartz CrystalsQuartz Crystals: Any funky, ugly, smokey pieces of quartz will work perfectly for orgonite field devices. You can usually find this grade of quartz crystal very inexpensively at most decent gem and mineral shops, or you can buy quartz online from orgonite-aware vendors at appropriate sizes and grades.

Pouring resin into muffin tins.Fiberglass/Epoxy Resin: The most expensive component of orgonite, typically retailing for US$75-$100/gallon at marine supply stores and hardware stores. Any kind of organic resin will work fine, but liquid resin (as opposed to "body fill" paste) has been found to be easiest to work with for creating orgonite. Resin requires a chemical additive called a hardener, typically included if purchased by the gallon, in order to catalyze the curing (hardening) process, which may take from mere hours in hot, arid weather to multiple days in wet, cold weather.

Molds: This depends on the specific type of orgonite device you wish to create, but any mold which can withstand boiling temperatures should work fine. Avoid plastics unless they are oven-safe, as the chemical reaction which occurs during the catalyzation process heats the resin to temperatures which can easily melt normal plastics. Generally, metal molds seem to work best for most purposes, but cheap field devices can also be made from large paper bathroom cups or paper sno-cone cups. Use your imagination!

Other Stuff: You will want a mixing container such as a bucket (preferably with a pouring lip), a wooden stirring stick, some old rags or paper towels for splashes and spills, and a large, flat surface for leaving the orgonite to cure.

Safety: Organic resins emit toxic fumes before and during the curing process, so working in a well-ventilated area such as a backyard or porch/deck is ideal. You may also want to use protective gloves and wear clothing you don't mind getting catalyzed resin splashed on, as it will go everywhere, especially your first few times pouring. Putting down a tarp first can help tremendously with cleanup, as the hardened resin should pop right off the tarp.

Common Orgonite Designs