After the top of the stone is thoroughly sanded on the most worn portion of the belt, it can be polished in your usual way. Even though I've been working with this material for a lot of years now, I'm far from having all the answers. But perhaps this article will help a few more lapidaries get started cutting a stone that can be as rewarding as it can be frustrating. I invite correspondence with other cutters to exchange special tricks and techniques with this stone. The use of any rotating grinding and sanding equipment is inherently dangerous.
Improper use can result in personal injury or damage to the equipment or stones being cut.
Wear protective eye gear, and use appropriate dust masks. He's been cutting stones, specializing in precious opal and fire agate, for many years. In the past few years he has focused more on faceting, gem-carving and jewelry design. He studied gemology with the GIA and has been involved in gem and jewelry sales since the 1960s. While his goldsmithing techniques were largely self-taught, he has taken specialized residence training at The Revere Academy, San Francisco.