People don’t believe this, but I’ve seen the molecular change Dave
is talking about on nephrite jade. There appears to be almost like
a smoke or a fog on the surface as it polishes. This works on the
right kind of nephrite while using diamond dry, which is why I’ve
seen it.
I’ve also seen it a little on chalcedony, but with the cerium oxide
and tin oxide mix I use, it has to be run just about too dry to
watch the process occur. There is no doubt in my mind there is a
difference between ever smaller scratches and this other form of
polishing. Thge difference is extrememly evident on opal.
Derek Levin