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How to Polish a Ulexite

Ulexite is nicknamed the TV stone because it has fiber optic properties that reflect light within the rock. A unique property of ulexite is that it forms crystals on its surface that look like cotton balls. This stone is commonly found in California and Nevada. Because it has the same hardness as fingernails, handle it with care.

Things You'll Need

Protective gloves
Protective mask
Protective goggles
220-grit sandpaper
600-grit sandpaper
Hand duster
Leather
Rock polish

Instructions

- 1
  Wear protective gloves, mask and goggles when handling Ulexite. Ulexite contains borate, which can be potentially fatal to small animals and children if ingested or inhaled in large amounts.
- 2
  Place the ulexite in the palm of the glove. Rub 220-grit sandpaper around the exterior surface of the stone.
- 3
  Rub 600-grit sandpaper around the exterior surface of the ulexite to produce a finer and smoother surface.
- 4
  Dust off the surface of the ulexite using a hand duster.
- 5
  Pour five drops of rock polish onto a piece of leather, such as Pro-Polish, Tin Oxide or Chrome Oxide brands. Let the rock polish absorb into the leather for three minutes.
- 6
  Polish the ulexite by gently rubbing the leather and polish onto it using your index and middle fingers. Let the ulexite dry for 10 minutes.

Rocks & Minerals