Quartz Polishing Survey Results
Looking for lap, polish, or lubricant suggestions for quartz polishing? You can find numerous combinations and technical advice in our IGS member survey results.
2 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 quartz 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 information about the survey or to find results for more gemstones, click here.
Quartz Polishing Techniques
| Laptype | Polish | Lubricant | Votes |
| Lucite | Cerium/Alumina | water | 17 |
| Ultra Lap | Cerium/Aluminum Oxide | vinegar, water/water | 15 |
| Dynalap | Cerium Oxide | water | 9 |
| Tin | Cerium/Alumina | water | 9 |
| Spectra (Ultra Lap) | Cerium Oxide | water | 8 |
| Lucite | 50k diamond | oil or water | 8 |
| BATT | Cerium/Alumina | water | 6 |
| Phenolic | Cerium/Linde A | water | 5 |
| Tin | 14-50k diamond | oil | 5 |
| BATT | 50-100k diamond | oil | 3 |
| CD | Cerium Oxide | water | 4 |
| Raytech Fast Lap | 50k diamond | Crysta Lubrication | 2 |
| Spectra (Ultra Lap) | Magi Colloidal Silica | vinegar, water/water | 2 |
| Copper | 50k diamond | barrier cream | 2 |
| Copper | Linde A | water | 1 |
| Ceramic | 100k diamond | Kroil/oil | 1 |
| Copper | cerium | water | 1 |
| Raytech Polyfilm | cerium | water | 1 |
| Copper | Quartz88 | water | 1 |
| Turbofan | Green (Dialux) | water | 1 |
Notes
- Polishing agents and lubricants divided
…
International Gem Society
Related Articles
Quartz Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Quartz Toxicity: Understanding the Risks for Jewelers and Wearers
Can You Identify Gems Without Seeing Gemstone Colors?
Mined in America: Top Spots for Gem Hunting in the US
Latest Articles
800 Years of Mogok: A Celebration in Tenuous Times
What is the Average Gemstone Faceting Yield?
Pyroxmangite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
How to Identify Emerald Simulants and Synthetics
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!