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.
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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
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International Gem Society
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