NNP

Stoned, Stoning.  Applying an abrasive to a metallic surface to remove raised metal, imperfections, or to smooth the surface. Jewelry supply firms furnish abrasive stones – made of aluminum oxide or silicon carbide – in a dozen different forms and grits for use by hand. It also supplies these abrasives mounted on shafts for power tools. For most diework stones of square shaped sticks are used. These can be honed and sharpened to a point, useful for stoning a tiny area (they are even called pencil stones). These are ideal for removal of small imperfections on a die. Stones can also be used for polishing. After a die has been treated with such an abrasive stone it is said to be dressed.  Compare lapped. See also buffing and polishing, engraving, chasing.

excerpted with permission from

An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology

For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON

Roger W. Burdette, Editor