rottenstone

[rot-n-stohn]

noun

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

rottenstone

/ ˈrɒtənˌstəʊn /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rottenstone¹

First recorded in 1670–80; rotten + stone

Example Sentences

The sides were painted a rich brownish-red, which was lovingly hand-polished to a shiny gloss with oil and rottenstone.

From Time

I was kneeling on the other side of it, polishing the lock with an oily rag and rottenstone.

From Literature

Tripoli and rottenstone are light, porous, siliceous rocks which have resulted from the leaching of calcareous materials from various siliceous limestones or calcareous cherts in the process of weathering.

From Project Gutenberg

The smoothing is done with a lead lap and fine emery, and the polishing may be accomplished by means of a lead lap, whose surface is hacked and supplied with rottenstone and water.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the Very Best Scouring Pastes Consists of—Oxalic acid, 1 part; Iron peroxide, 15 parts; Powdered rottenstone, 20 parts; Palm oil, 60 parts; Petrolatum, 4 parts.

From Project Gutenberg