How To Polish Petoskey Stones: 9 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Polish Petoskey Stones PDF download Download Article Reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

Last Updated: June 7, 2025 References

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  • Sanding Away the Scratches
    • |
  • Polishing Them to Perfection
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann. Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann are the founders of Everneat, an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service based in New York City and in Connecticut. They are also the founders of Clean Code, a DIY 100% natural cleaning product line. This article has been viewed 51,807 times.

Petoskey stones are fossil colonial coral. They were named after the city of Petoskey, Michigan. You can find them along the sandy beaches, inland in gravel deposits, and sold in gift stores throughout the state. As charming as the stones are, maintenance is needed to make them look shiny and feel smooth. Start by sanding the stones with various types of grit paper. Then, apply a polishing base to the stones.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Sanding Away the Scratches

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  1. Step 1 Use a stone file to get rid of uneven areas. 1 Use a stone file to get rid of uneven areas. The objective is to remove any relatively small bumps and create an even shape. File around the entirety of your stones until satisfied.[1]
    • Don't worry about getting rid of the scratches.
  2. Step 2 Transition to sanding with 220 grit paper. 2 Transition to sanding with 220 grit paper. Dampen your stones with water beforehand. Hold each stone firmly in one hand, and rub the soon-to-be polished area with a steady, circular motion. Be careful not to over-sand.[2] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Rinse each stone and dry them with a towel. 3 Rinse each stone and dry them with a towel. If you're using a bowl of water, replace it with clean water often. The scrapings will accumulate and cloud the water if you don't. Carefully examine them for scratch marks.
  4. Step 4 Repeat the aforementioned process using 400 grit paper. 4 Repeat the aforementioned process using 400 grit paper. This step should remove scratches from the coarser paper along with any white spots. Rinse, dry, and check your stone.[3]
  5. Step 5 Conclude the sanding with 600 grit paper. 5 Conclude the sanding with 600 grit paper. When you think all sanding marks have been removed, sand each stone for another 5 to 10 minutes. Your stones may already look smooth and beautiful, but this paper will ensure no scratches are missed.[4]
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Polishing Them to Perfection

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  1. Step 1 Choose a polishing base. 1 Choose a polishing base. Using one specifically made for rock polishing is ideal. Car-finish rubbing compounds work well, too.
  2. Step 2 Apply the polishing base to your stones. 2 Apply the polishing base to your stones. Make sure it's a small amount (size of a quarter). Ensure the corduroy or velvet piece is lightly dampened beforehand.
  3. Step 3 Polish your stones in the manner you used for sanding. 3 Polish your stones in the manner you used for sanding. Aim for a short, circular motion. Work your way from the top to the bottom.[5]
    • See any scratches? Return to the 400 grit paper, and repeat the sanding process. Then, continue polishing until satisfied.
  4. Step 4 Wipe them off with a cloth. 4 Wipe them off with a cloth. Make sure the cloth is clean and dry. Using a cotton cloth is fine.
    5. Advertisement

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Tips

  • If your stones have been rounded by running water from glaciers or waves on the beach, a lot of your initial shaping may already be complete. This will make polishing go faster. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Grit refers to the size of grains on a sandpaper. The higher the number, the finer the grain or grit. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
  • Make sure the newspaper is placed directly under your Petoskey stones before you sand them. This will catch the scrapings, which you can easily discard. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warning

  • Adult supervision is needed for children involved in sanding and polishing. Make sure you carefully explain each step of instructions in an easy manner.

Things You'll Need

  • Petoskey stones
  • A stone file
  • Silicon carbide wet or dry sandpaper - 220, 400, and 600 grit
  • A thick towel/cloth
  • Newspaper layers
  • A piece of cotton corduroy or velvet
  • Polishing powder, compound, or spray
  • A bowl of water

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References

  1. ↑ https://mynorth.com/2016/07/how-to-polish-petoskey-stones/
  2. ↑ https://sciencing.com/polish-petoskey-stone-4495554.html
  3. ↑ http://geo.msu.edu/extra/geogmich/petoskystone.html
  4. ↑ http://www.visitharborspringsmichigan.com/stories/searching_for_petoskey_stones_northern_michigan
  5. ↑ https://minivanadventures.com/petoskey-stones/

About This Article

Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann Reviewed by: Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann House Cleaning Professionals This article was reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann. Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann are the founders of Everneat, an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service based in New York City and in Connecticut. They are also the founders of Clean Code, a DIY 100% natural cleaning product line. This article has been viewed 51,807 times. 31 votes - 85% Co-authors: 5 Updated: June 7, 2025 Views: 51,807 Categories: Cleaning Stone | Brickwork and Stone Masonry
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann Reviewed by: Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann House Cleaning Professionals Co-authors: 5 Updated: June 7, 2025 Views: 51,807 85% of readers found this article helpful. 31 votes - 85% Click a star to add your vote

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