Gather rough rocks, water, coarse sandpaper or diamond hand pads, medium sandpaper, fine sandpaper, ultra-fine sandpaper, polishing compound, soft cloth, bucket, and gloves
Wash the rocks thoroughly to remove dirt and debris
Inspect each rock and choose pieces without deep cracks or unstable fractures
Shape the rock edges with coarse grit or a diamond hand pad if needed
Wet the rock and sandpaper before sanding
Sand the rock with coarse grit to remove rough surfaces and major scratches
Rinse the rock often to check progress and remove grit buildup
Move to medium grit and sand evenly over all surfaces
Continue with fine grit to smooth the rock further
Finish with ultra-fine grit for a near-polished surface
Apply polishing compound to a soft cloth or felt pad
Rub the rock firmly in small circles until the surface shines
Reapply compound as needed and keep polishing until satisfied
Wash the rock to remove all residue
Dry the rock completely with a clean cloth
Repeat finer sanding and polishing steps if scratches remain
Wear eye protection and a dust mask if sanding dry
Work over a tray or bucket to contain slurry and grit