Rouge
Rouge. Artificial oxide of iron, always red in color, available in a variety of grades and fineness. The most popular polishing compound, rouge smooths and brightens. Crocus cloth is made of impregnated rouge, however, rouge is most used in bar form with mechanical buffers. See buffing and polishing.
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