rottenstone

American  

[rot-n-stohn] / ˈrɒt nˌstoʊn /

noun

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

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rottenstone British  

/ ˈrɒtənˌstəʊn /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of rottenstone

First recorded in 1670–80; rotten + stone

Example Sentences

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

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Brass lamps may be cleaned with oil and rottenstone every day when trimmed.

From The Book of Household Management by Beeton, Mrs. (Isabella Mary)

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 Burroughs' Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information, 1889 by Burroughs, Barkham

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 The Economic Aspect of Geology by Leith, C. K. (Charles Kenneth)

When Tsanunewa ran home to his grandmother, frightened because he had seen Hehku, Hehku went out of the trap, crushed red rottenstone, painted her face, made it blood color.

From Creation Myths of Primitive America In relation to the Religious History and Mental Development of Mankind by Curtin, Jeremiah