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How to Clean & Polish Rough Stones

Cleaning and polishing rough stones is difficult without a rock tumbler. A rock tumbler has different grit sandpaper, depending on what stone you are trying to clean and polish. The rougher the stone, the higher grit the sandpaper. It cleans and polishes the stone over a period of time. Creating the ultimate cleaned and polished stone may take over a month, so have patience.

Things You'll Need

Gloves (optional)
Stones
Rock tumbler
Fine and coarse grit (find grit kits at craft stores)
Soft cloth
Bowl
Soft polishing brush

Instructions

- 1
  Fill the rock tumbler halfway up with water, than add the stones. Add 3 tablespoons of grit. A high coarse grit is best to use first in order to get off as much dirt and hardness from the outside of the stones as possible. Keep the stones in the tumbler for 6 days (use the instructions for your specific tumbler).
- 2
  Remove the stones from the tumbler and place in a bowl of warm water. Use a soft polishing brush on them to see how much more you want them to be cleaned and polished. If the stones do not have the appearance you desire, place them back in the tumbler.
- 3
  Fill the tumbler halfway up with warm water again and a grit that is a little finer. Let them tumble for another 6 days. Remove and place in a bowl with warm water. Put aside any stones that break or have chips. If you desire smoother or rounder stones, place them back in the tumbler.
- 4
  Repeat this entire process until the stones have the appearance you desire. Also, use progressively finer grit each time, but the same amount.
- 5
  Lay the stones out on a soft cloth to dry once they have achieved the desired appearance.

Rocks & Minerals