rottenstone

[rot-n-stohn]

noun

a friable stone resulting from the decomposition of a siliceous limestone, used as a powder for polishing metals.

Origin of rottenstone

First recorded in 1670–80; rotten + stone

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for rottenstone

Historical Examples of rottenstone

Tripoli (and rottenstone) are used in polishing powders and scouring soaps as well as for filter blocks and many other purposes.
The Economic Aspect of Geology
C. K. Leith
The unpainted surfaces will be kept clean and bright with rottenstone and oil or "Putz-pomade."
The Gunner's Examiner
Harold E. Cloke
Polishing is effected by wooden wheels fed with wet pumice-powder and rottenstone and by brushes fed with moistened putty-powder.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 1
Various

British Dictionary definitions for rottenstone

rottenstone

noun

a much-weathered limestone, rich in silica: used in powdered form for polishing metal

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012