Rottenstone
/ˈrɒtənˌstoʊn/noun
A soft, powdery limestone used as a polishing abrasive.
Did you know?Rottenstone is a naturally occurring, crumbly siliceous rock, and its name comes from its rotten-looking, friable texture rather than any magical decay—but the image is so vivid it feels alchemical.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
rotian
“to decay, fester”
Middle English
ME
rotten
“decayed, putrid”
16th Century
English
rotten stone
“a crumbly stone or earth used for polishing”
Modern English
English
rottenstone
“a polishing abrasive made from a soft, friable stone”