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 quartz 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.

Quartz Polishing Techniques

Laptype Polish Lubricant Votes
Lucite Cerium/Alumina water 17
Ultra Lap Cerium/Aluminum Oxide vinegar, water/water 15
Dynalap Cerium Oxide water 9
Tin Cerium/Alumina water 9
Spectra (Ultra Lap) Cerium Oxide water 8
Lucite 50k diamond oil or water 8
BATT Cerium/Alumina water 6
Phenolic Cerium/Linde A water 5
Tin 14-50k diamond oil 5
BATT 50-100k diamond oil 3
CD Cerium Oxide water 4
Raytech Fast Lap 50k diamond Crysta Lubrication 2
Spectra (Ultra Lap) Magi Colloidal Silica vinegar, water/water 2
Copper 50k diamond barrier cream 2
Copper Linde A water 1
Ceramic 100k diamond Kroil/oil 1
Copper cerium water 1
Raytech Polyfilm cerium water 1
Copper Quartz88 water 1
Turbofan Green (Dialux) water 1

Notes

  • Polishing agents and lubricants divided

…