noun
- plural of rottenstone: a soft, decomposed siliceous limestone used as a fine abrasive for polishing metals and other materials
Usage: technical; geology
Examples
- The jeweler used rottenstones to polish the silver bracelet.
- Rottenstones are mined from quarries where limestone has naturally decomposed.
- Fine rottenstones produce a better finish than coarser abrasives.
- The craftsman kept several grades of rottenstones in his workshop.
- Rottenstones have been used for centuries to achieve mirror-like finishes on metal.
- The restoration required the gentlest rottenstones to avoid damaging the antique surface.