[Jewelry making - Article 00159] - Re: [Orchid] Polishing amber?

[Hans Durstling]

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Hi Brent, Hi All,

    Amber is easily shaped by sanding. But the "sawdust" gums up, so use
    a wet sanding stick. Follow the usual lapidary progression starting
    with say 240 or 320 grit, then remove the scratches of this first
    stage with 600 or maybe even 800 grit paper (again used wet). Polish
    by rubbing the piece vigorously and fairly wet on a clean old cotton
    T-shirt with toothpaste, the white type, not the clear gel stuff. If
    you need to use mechanical devices (Foredom machine) to get into
    concavities, work wet and cautiously at slow speed to minimize heat.
    A buff run too hot will "drag" into the surface and may also crack
    the piece. 

Cheers,
Hans Durstling
post-transcontinental-drive back in Moncton Canada
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