Jewelers' rouge

Description

An abrasive powder composed of fine, ultrapure, Red iron oxide. Jewelers' rouge is synthetically prepared by heating ferrous sulfate. Also called colcothar, it is used as an abrasive for the final polish on glass and soft metals, such as Gold and Silver. It is applied either dry or as a thick aqueous paste. The round edge ferric oxide particles burnish the metal rather than cut channels as does the harder Alumina abrasives.

Synonyms and Related Terms

jewellers rouge; jewelers rouge; colcothar

Comparisons

Properties of Common Abrasives

Authority

• Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985

• R.M.Organ, Design for Scientific Conservation of Antiquities, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, 1968

• George Savage, Art and Antique Restorer's Handbook, Rockliff Publishing Corp, London, 1954

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Iron." Encyclopædia Britannica. 1 Sept. 2004 .