Polishing synthetic corundum without leaving pits requires certain techniques and tools. Get expert lapidary advice here.
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Answer: Synthetic or lab-grown corundum gems (rubies and sapphires) have the same physical and chemical properties as natural corundum. Polishing synthetic corundum can leave pits on the gemstones. Gem cutters can avoid this problem with the right tools and techniques.
Polishing gemstones can be a mystery. However, what you're experiencing is a common problem with polishing synthetic corundum. The NuBond laps are a bit gentler than nickel-bonded laps but they leave pits that are almost impossible to polish out. There is a way around this, though.
I usually begin with a 600 finish from a nickel-bonded lap. You can use something coarser in a NuBond. You'll find it takes about as much time on the lap as two steps. With the slurry, however, you eliminate the pitting. Plus, it's one of the few methods for polishing synthetic corundum that works for just about everyone who tries it!
Donald Clark CSM IMG
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Answer: Synthetic or lab-grown corundum gems (rubies and ) have the same physical and chemical properties as natural . Polishing synthetic corundum can leave pits on the gemstones. Gem cutters can avoid this problem with the right tools and techniques.
Polishing gemstones can be a mystery. However, what you're experiencing is a common problem with polishing synthetic corundum. The NuBond laps are a bit gentler than nickel-bonded laps but they leave pits that are almost impossible to polish out. There is a way around this, though.
I usually begin with a 600 finish from a nickel-bonded lap. You can use something coarser in a NuBond. You'll find it takes about as much time on the lap as two steps. With the slurry, however, you eliminate the pitting. Plus, it's one of the few methods for polishing synthetic corundum that works for just about everyone who tries it!
Donald Clark CSM IMG
