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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rottenstone

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

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Rott′enness; Rott′enstone, a soft and earthy stone powdered to polish brass, &c.—v.t. to polish with rottenstone.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

Then take a pellet of cotton and well polish the plate with this mixture, in the same manner as with the rottenstone.

From History and Practice of the Art of Photography by Henry Hunt Snelling

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 Barkham Burroughs

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 Scientific American, Volume XLIII., No. 25, December 18, 1880 A Weekly Journal of Practical Information, Art, Science, Mechanics, Chemistry, and Manufactures. by Various

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