Message #207136

[GregHiller]

I generally don't stabilize malachite.  It is very soft, so you have to keep that in mind.  Generally you can skip multiple sanding steps and go directly to a very fine grit.  Use lots of water as the dust is high in copper that you don't want to be breathing, and also the stone can form black 'burn' marks if it gets too hot while sanding/polishing.  Final polish I use tin oxide on leather, but sometimes touch up a bit with Zam on a muslin buff with my rotary tool.  Again don't let the thing get hot.