polishing cubic zirconia - baguette cut gempolishing cubic zirconia - baguette cut gem

Cubic Zirconia Polishing Survey Results

Cubic zirconia is the most popular diamond simulant currently available. You can find polishing recommendations for this material in our IGS member survey results.

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HomeLearning CenterJewelry and LapidaryLapidary and Faceting Guides, Tips and InstructionsCubic Zirconia Polishing Survey Results
By International Gem Society

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 cubic zirconia 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.

Polishing Techniques for Cubic Zirconia

LaptypePolishLubricationVotes
Ceramic50-100k diamondoil/extender fluid16
Tin14-100k diamondwater/oil13
Ceramic50-100k diamondwater/none5
BATT14-100k diamondoil4
Corian14-50k diamondolive oil/WD-40/extender3
Tin14k with Linde Aoil3
TinAlumina/Linde Awater2
Zinc100k diamondoil2
Copper14k diamondwater, vinegar/oil2
Mylar/Lucite14-50k diamond2
Last Lap14-50k diamondoil2
Ultra Lapaluminum oxidewater1
Phenolic14-50k diamondoil1
CD14k diamondolive oil/WD-401
Ultra Lap100k diamondoil1
Turbofan Corundumwater1

Notes

  • Polishing agents and lubricants divided with a “/”, like “cerium/diamond,” means either/or.
  • Polishing agents and lubricants divided with a “,”, like “cerium, diamond,” means a

…

International Gem Society

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