Cubic Zirconia Polishing Survey Results

Editor's Note: Some years ago, the International Gem Society (IGS) conducted a survey of members' polishing techniques. Here, you'll find the results for cubic zirconia polishing. Whether you're just starting to learn the art of gem cutting or just looking for a new way to tackle a problematic gem material, we hope these results provide some useful suggestions.

For more information about the survey or to find results for more gemstones, click here.

Polishing Techniques for Cubic Zirconia

Laptype	Polish	Lubrication	Votes
Ceramic	50-100k diamond	oil/extender fluid	16
Tin	14-100k diamond	water/oil	13
Ceramic	50-100k diamond	water/none	5
BATT	14-100k diamond	oil	4
Corian	14-50k diamond	olive oil/WD-40/extender	3
Tin	14k with Linde A	oil	3
Tin	Alumina/Linde A	water	2
Zinc	100k diamond	oil	2
Copper	14k diamond	water, vinegar/oil	2
Mylar/Lucite	14-50k diamond		2
Last Lap	14-50k diamond	oil	2
Ultra Lap	aluminum oxide	water	1
Phenolic	14-50k diamond	oil	1
CD	14k diamond	olive oil/WD-40	1
Ultra Lap	100k diamond	oil	1
Turbofan Corundum		water	1

Notes

• Polishing agents and lubricants divided with a "/", like "cerium/diamond," means either/or.
• Polishing agents and lubricants divided with a ",", like "cerium, diamond," means a

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International Gem Society

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