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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