How to Polish Apache Tears Glass With Sandpaper

How to Polish Apache Tears Glass With Sandpaper thumbnail
Polishing rock can be a fun and rewarding hobby.

Apache tears are small, black, rounded pieces of hard volcanic glass favored by hobbyists and rock collectors around the world. In their natural form, these stones are dull, uneven and opaque. When highly polished, they have a high sheen and are translucent.

Things You'll Need

  • 100-, 220-, 400- and 600-grit sandpaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rub the Apache tear all over in short, circular motions with the 100-grit sandpaper for 10 minutes.

    • 2

      Rub the piece with the 220-grit sandpaper in the same manner until it develops a visible sheen.

    • 3

      Sand the stone with the 400-grit sandpaper for 10 minutes per side.

    • 4

      Sand the stone with the 600-grit sandpaper to finish it. Wash the piece under cold water to remove grit and filings.

Tips & Warnings

  • Rock tumbler machines take much of the work out of polishing stones.

  • It is easy to nick and scratch your skin while polishing stones.

  • Do not go beyond 600-grit sandpaper.

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References

  • Photo Credit polished stone image by Kathy Burns from Fotolia.com

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