i'm new to pmc and i was wondering if anyone knew what types of natural gems could be fired with pmc... specifically i'm looking at the fire-ability of rutilated or tourmelined quartz - but it would help to know what other gems people have successfully fired.

thanks :)

much thanks - i think i found a chart here: https://www.cooltools.us/v/vspfiles/V4_Backup/PDFs/gemstonesinmetalclay.pdf

I don't think you would go wrong if you just figured you could not fire any natural stone.  CZ, Dichroit, etc. is ok, but not quartz, jasper, agate, etc.  With them, create a bezel of correct size and shape, place it into the item, fire it, and then set the stone.  The bezel will not shrink after being placed in the unfired clay.