# Best ceramic media for rock tumbling: sizes and how much to buy

Source: https://tumblegrit.com/best/best-ceramic-tumbling-media
Publisher: Tumble Grit. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://tumblegrit.com/how-we-pick

Ceramic media is non-abrasive filler: small ceramic cylinders or balls that bring an under-filled barrel up to level, cushion the load and carry grit into hollows. A rotary barrel should run between 1/2 and 3/4 full, with about 2/3 as the usual target, so whatever the rocks do not fill, media makes up. Ceramic is hard and non-porous, so it can be rinsed and reused from step to step; many hobbyists still keep a separate batch for polish. Count media as rock when measuring grit. The packs differ in two ways: piece size and weight. Small pieces around 1/8 inch fit between small stones and into hollows, the 3/16 by 3/8 inch cylinder is the size most listings offer, and larger pieces fill space faster. A 1 lb or 2 lb pack tops up a small barrel, since a 3 lb barrel holds only about 2 lb of rock; 8 lb packs make sense for large barrels or for keeping separate batches. This guide compares seven packs by the shape, piece size, weight and material their listings state. None were run in a tumbler.

## Picks

### 1. Hiceeden 8 Pounds Rock Tumbling Filler Media, 1/5" x 2/5" Reusable Cylinder Ceramic Pellets Non-Abrasive for Rock Tumbler, Stone Polisher

Shape: Cylinder; Piece size: 1/5 x 2/5 in; Weight: 8 lb; Material: Alumina ceramic

An 8 lb bulk pack of alumina ceramic cylinders, 1/5 inch in diameter and 2/5 inch long. The one listing in this guide that names the ceramic, aimed at larger barrels or anyone keeping separate batches.

What the listing offers:
- The material is named: alumina ceramics, described as non-toxic, non-static and non-residue.
- The listing says one batch can be rinsed and reused through every grit cycle, with no need for separate batches per stage.
- Described as easy to dry and reuse, for rocks, gems and glass in all types of rock tumblers.

Limits to know:
- An 8 lb pack is a lot of filler for a 1 lb or 2 lb kit tumbler, and this listing shows no smaller size.
- One cylinder size only, and the listing does not describe the packaging.

### 2. 8 LBS Rock Tumbling Ceramic Filler Media Rock Tumbling Ceramic Filler Media Non- Abrasive Ceramic Pellets for All Type Tumblers 3/16" X 3/8"

Shape: Cut cylinder; Piece size: 3/16 x 3/8 in; Weight: 8 lb; Material: Non-abrasive ceramic

An 8 lb supply of 3/16 by 3/8 inch cut cylinders, packed in a sturdy plastic bucket. A bulk amount for 6 lb and larger barrels, with a container that keeps the media together between loads.

What the listing offers:
- Packed in a sturdy plastic bucket for easy carrying and use, according to the listing.
- Piece size is stated: 3/16 inch diameter by 3/8 inch long cut cylinders, described as non-abrasive.
- Listed as reusable in every grit cycle and compatible with any brand of tumbler or grit.

Limits to know:
- One piece size only; no smaller or larger cylinders are mixed in.
- The ceramic type is not named, and 8 lb is more than a small kit tumbler will use.

### 3. GANGOU 4LB White Ceramic Filler Media Non-Abrasive Ceramic Pellets for All Type Tumblers 3/16" X 3/8"

Shape: Cut cylinder; Piece size: 3/16 x 3/8 in; Weight: 4 lb; Material: Non-abrasive ceramic

A mid-size 4 lb pack of white non-abrasive ceramic in 3/16 by 3/8 inch cut cylinders. Enough to top up a small or mid-size barrel with some left over to keep as a separate polish batch.

What the listing offers:
- Piece size is stated exactly: 3/16 inch diameter by 3/8 inch long cut cylinders.
- The listing says the pellets are reusable and can be used during every grit cycle.
- Stated as compatible with any brand of tumbler or grit, and usable in tumbling and vibrating machines.

Limits to know:
- One piece size only; there is no mix of small and large cylinders in the pack.
- The listing does not name the ceramic type or say how the 4 lb is packaged.

### 4. 2 Pound Rock Tumbling Ceramic Filler Media 1/8" X 1/4" Small Cylinder Ceramic Tumbling Tumbler Media - 2 LBS for use in Rotating Tumblers

Shape: Small cylinder; Piece size: 1/8 x 1/4 in; Weight: 2 lb; Material: Non-abrasive ceramic

A 2 lb pack of small non-abrasive ceramic cylinders, 1/8 inch in diameter and 1/4 inch long. The small pieces fit between small stones, and the title lists the pack for use in rotating tumblers.

What the listing offers:
- The smallest cylinder in this guide: 1/8 inch diameter by 1/4 inch long, as stated in the listing.
- Listed as reusable and usable during every rock polishing grit cycle.
- Stated as compatible with any brand of tumbler or grit, with water or liquid compounds.

Limits to know:
- The 2 lb pack is small: a large barrel that is well short of full may need more than one.
- The ceramic type is not named and the packaging is not described.

### 5. Ceramic Pellets for Rock Tumbling 1/8 inch 3mm Diameter Beads 2 Pounds

Shape: Ball; Piece size: 1/8 in (3 mm); Weight: 2 lb; Material: Non-abrasive ceramic

Round media instead of cylinders: 2 lb of non-abrasive ceramic balls, 1/8 inch (3 mm) in diameter. The small spheres are an alternative shape for filling the gaps between small stones.

What the listing offers:
- The only ball-shaped media in this guide, with a stated diameter of 1/8 inch (3 mm).
- Listed as reusable in every grit cycle and usable with water or liquid compounds.
- The listing says it works with tumblers and grits of all brands.

Limits to know:
- A 2 lb pack of 3 mm balls is a small-barrel quantity; larger barrels need a bigger pack.
- The ceramic type is not named and the packaging is not described.

### 6. 8 LBS 1/4" X1/2" Rock Tumbling Ceramic Filler Media Non-Abrasive Ceramic Pellets for All Type Tumblers

Shape: not stated; Piece size: 1/4 x 1/2 in; Weight: 8 lb; Material: Non-abrasive ceramic

The largest piece in this guide: 8 lb of non-abrasive ceramic pellets listed at 1/4 by 1/2 inch. The bigger pieces fill barrel space faster, an option for larger barrels that need a lot of filler.

What the listing offers:
- The largest stated piece size here at 1/4 inch by 1/2 inch, in an 8 lb pack.
- The listing says the pellets are reusable and can be used during every grit cycle.
- Stated as non-abrasive and compatible with any brand of tumbler or grit.

Limits to know:
- The listing is brief: it repeats the title and does not state the shape, the ceramic type or the packaging.
- One piece size only, and 8 lb is a lot of filler for a 1 lb or 2 lb kit tumbler.

### 7. Reusable Ceramic Pellets for Rock Tumbling 3/16" x3/8" Cylinder 1 Pound

Shape: Cut cylinder; Piece size: 3/16 x 3/8 in; Weight: 1 lb; Material: Non-abrasive ceramic

The smallest pack here: 1 lb of non-abrasive ceramic in 3/16 by 3/8 inch cut cylinders. A starter amount for a 1 lb or 2 lb kit tumbler that only needs a little filler.

What the listing offers:
- A 1 lb pack with the piece size stated: 3/16 inch diameter by 3/8 inch long cut cylinders.
- Listed as reusable in every grit cycle through the rock polishing process.
- The listing says it works with tumblers and grits of all brands, with water or liquid compounds.

Limits to know:
- One pound will not go far in a 3 lb or 6 lb barrel that is well short of full.
- The ceramic type is not named, and the listing gives no packaging details.

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