Natural Diamond Compound
Overview
Natural Diamond Compound
What This Product Is
Natural diamond compound is a polishing paste made with natural (mined) monocrystalline diamond rather than synthetic diamond. Natural diamond crystals tend to be tough and blocky, and some metallographers prefer them for particular finishes and for their cutting longevity on certain materials. It is the traditional diamond paste, offered for labs whose established procedures specify natural diamond.
Intended Use in Metallography
Used for intermediate and fine polishing, natural diamond compound is selected when:
- A procedure specifies natural diamond
- A tough, blocky crystal is preferred for the material at hand
- Matching a long-standing preparation method
Typical Applications
Commonly used when polishing:
- General and specialty metals and alloys
- Applications where natural diamond is the established or preferred abrasive
- Labs standardizing on a traditional procedure
Beyond metallography, natural diamond compound is also used in:
- Petrography of hard minerals
- Glass, optics, and ceramics
- Tool, die, and mold finishing
When This Product Is NOT Ideal
Natural diamond compound may not be the best choice when:
- Synthetic monocrystalline or polycrystalline diamond is specified or more economical
- Coarse removal is needed (a grinding step) or a purely oxide final polish is required
Where This Fits in the Preparation Process
Natural diamond compound is typically used:
- After grinding
- Before an oxide final polish, when required
Best-Practice Notes
- One micron size per cloth; add lubricant to carry the diamond and manage heat
- Recharge as cutting slows; clean between steps to prevent carryover
Specifications
| Abrasive type | Natural monocrystalline diamond |
| Form | Paste / compound |
| Options | Multiple micron sizes; concentration and syringe sizes — see product options |
| Application | Intermediate and fine metallographic polishing |
| Micron Size | 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 3, 6, 9, 15, 30, 45 |
| Concentration | Medium, Heavy |
| Syringe Size | 5gram, 10gram, 20gram, 25gram |
| Custom sizing | Custom sizes and concentrations are made to spec if what you need is not listed |
| Compatibility | Buehler, Struers, LECO, Allied, and PACE — and all other major brands. |
Compatibility and Equivalents
A natural-diamond paste for the same intermediate and fine polishing steps served by the diamond pastes and compounds from Buehler (MetaDi), Struers (DP-Paste), and Allied High Tech. Compatible with Buehler, Struers, LECO, Allied, and PACE systems — and all other major brands — with no change to your process. It is a comparable product for the same step — not a branded or drop-in item.
Same grading and micron sizing, typically 20 to 40 percent lower in price.
Request a free sample and test it on your own bench.
Named brand products are referenced only to identify the comparable item and prep step. We do not claim our product is identical to, or a replacement for, any trademarked product, and no affiliation or endorsement is implied.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between natural and synthetic diamond compound?
Natural diamond is mined; synthetic diamond is manufactured. Natural crystals are typically tough and blocky, and some procedures prefer them; synthetic monocrystalline diamond offers very consistent, sharp-cutting particles and is often more economical.
When would I choose natural diamond?
When a procedure specifies it, or when a lab prefers natural diamond's cutting characteristics for a given material or finish.
Does natural diamond change the finish versus synthetic?
Finish is set primarily by micron size. The crystal type mainly affects cutting behavior and feel; established procedures sometimes prefer one over the other for specific materials.
What is natural diamond compound used for besides metallography?
Natural diamond paste polishes the same hard materials as synthetic diamond, so beyond metallography it is used in petrography, glass and optics, ceramics, and tool and die finishing. Some labs prefer natural diamond's tough, blocky crystals for particular materials and finishes.