Hot Tip on Thundereggs

Many lapidaries now heat nodule and thunderegg halves under a heat lamp for a few minutes before polishing with tin oxide or cerium oxide on felt. The polish comes up almost instantly. Alternatives include putting specimens in a 200degree oven until warm to the touch, or putting them in a kettle full of hot water until they are warm. Dry off excess water before polishing.
(From Rockhound Ramblings, 06/07 via Quarry Quips, 06/07)