[Jewelry making - Article 00702] - Re: [Orchid] Polishing Petrified Coral

[coralnut]

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Sheridan,

    I have cut and polished many pieces of petrified coral...black, 
    red, brown, white...you name it! 

    Originally, the coral was simple calcium carbonate and would have
    been difficult or impossible to "polish".  However, the petrified
    coral (especially the kind from various parts of Florida...is that
    yours?) has become agatized and thus is silicafied.  Silica polished
    best  with cerium Oxide paste on felt...primarily soft felt.  I
    don't know how you have ' cut and shaped it' but would suggest you
    find some soft felt wheelsd that will fit the form of your shape,
    make up a paste to apply to the felt and keep it slightly damp as you
    turn it slowly against the surface. If it is a large flat surface,
    you can either rub it by hand or use a felt surface on a flat
    lap....and end plate is very handy for this.  Be sure the surface is
    prepared to a pre-polished state before trying to polish it!Q 

    Hope this helps.  Cheers from Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL
    where simple elegance IS fine jewelry! dcdietz AT comcast.net 


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