Opal Polishing Survey Results
Take a look at the IGS member survey results for opal polishing. You'll find recommendations for polishes, laps, and techniques for handling these popular gemstones.
1 Minute Read
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 opal 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 opal polishing recommendations, see the survey results for gems with 4-6 hardness.
For more information about the survey or to find results for more gemstones, click here.
Opal Polishing Techniques
Lap Type | Polish Type | Lubrication type | Votes |
Lucite | Cerium Oxide | water | 19 |
Tin | Linde A | water | 17 |
Ultra Lap | Cerium Oxide | water | 14 |
CD | Cerium Oxide | vinegar/water | 8 |
Dynalap | Cerium Oxide | water | 6 |
Polypad | Cerium Oxide | water | 5 |
Tin | 50k diamond | olive oil | 4 |
Copper | Diamond | Crystalube or similar | 4 |
Turbofan | Cerium Oxide | water | 2 |
Ceramic | 100-200k diamond | 2 | |
BATT | Cerium Oxide | water | 2 |
Corian | Cerium Oxide | 1 | |
Lucite | 14k diamond | DiaLube | 1 |
Brass | 50k diamond | water | 1 |
Diamond Pacific | Diamond | water | 1 |
Tin | 50k Diamond | water | 1 |
Felt | 50k/Linde A mix | water | 1 |
Spectra (Ultra Lap) | Cerium Oxide | Colloidal Silica | 1 |
Notes
- Polishing agents and lubricants divided
…
International Gem Society
Related Articles
Opal Stones and Gems: Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Synthetic Opal Types
Top Spots for Gem Hunting in the US
Australian Opals
Latest Articles
Table of Refractive Indices and Double Refraction of Selected Gems
Red Gemstones: Ruby, Spinel, Garnet, and Other Great Picks for Jewelry
Jadeite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Tips for Cutting and Polishing Halite
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!